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Shafaq News- Baghdad<\/p>\n
Debate over restricting weapons to Iraqi state control has emerged as a key obstacle ahead of Thursday\u2019s parliamentary vote on Prime Minister-designate Ali Al-Zaidi\u2019s cabinet, as major political blocs continued unveiling ministerial nominees amid unresolved negotiations.<\/p>\n
Sadiqoon Movement, the political wing of Asaib Ahl Al-Haq armed group, said Wednesday that its participation in the incoming government would depend on discussions surrounding the \u201cfile of restricting weapons according to the vision of the religious authority.\u201d<\/p>\n
Political sources told Shafaq News that Al-Zaidi is attempting to form a cabinet that avoids direct confrontation with the US position on armed factions while preserving internal balances within the Shiite ruling Coordination Framework.<\/p>\n
Naeem Al-Aboudi, political aide to Qais Al-Khazali, said during an interview on Al-Ahd TV that Sadiqoon \u201cwill join the government after discussing the issue of restricting weapons,\u201d adding that the movement had been \u201cthe first to call for regulating weapons.\u201d<\/p>\n
He added that Sadiqoun\u2019s ministerial share in Al-Zaidi\u2019s government \u201cwould be delayed\u201d until discussions are completed, without elaborating further.<\/p>\n
The movement holds 28 seats in Iraq\u2019s parliament and recently strengthened its influence after senior member Adnan Fayhan was elected first deputy speaker of parliament.<\/p>\n
Negotiations over cabinet formation are face mounting pressure tied to factions refusing to disarm. A political source previously told Shafaq News that a committee formed by Al-Zaidi categorized armed groups, including political factions with military wings represented in government, and informed them they must end armed activity outside state institutions.<\/p>\n
According to the source, some factions continue to attach conditions to disarmament and integration efforts despite calls to accelerate the handover of weapons and absorb fighters into state structures.<\/p>\n
Earlier this month, the United States Department of the Treasury imposed sanctions on officials and figures allegedly tied to armed groups loyal to Iran, including leaders within Asaib Ahl Al-Haq, which Washington designated a foreign terrorist organization in 2020.<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, National Wisdom (Al-Hikma) Movement,led by Ammar Al-Hakim, announced the nomination of Faleh Al-Sari for finance minister and Safaa Al-Kinani for youth and sports minister.<\/p>\n
The parliamentary bloc of Taqaddum Party also revealed nominations for Mohammed Nouri Al-Karbouli as industry minister and Abdul Karim Abtan as education minister.<\/p>\n
A source close to Al-Zaidi told Shafaq News that the prime minister-designate has yet to finalize<\/a> several cabinet positions and is still reviewing names submitted by political blocs.<\/p>\n The source said Al-Zaidi has held intensive meetings with a special team examining candidates\u2019 backgrounds and may postpone decisions on some ministries until shortly before the confidence vote. The source added that Al-Zaidi requested replacements for some nominees after raising concerns regarding several proposed candidates.<\/p>\n Iraq\u2019s parliament has officially scheduled<\/a> Thursday, May 14, for the vote on Al-Zaidi\u2019s cabinet. He was tasked with forming the government on April 27, 2026, succeeding caretaker Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani.<\/p>\n