Steps are accelerating in the Iraqi capital, Baghdad, to arrange internal affairs before Prime Minister Ali Al-Zaidi heads to the United States of America. The Iraqi government officially announced that the first half of next July will be the final deadline to complete the stalled cabinet formation, to ensure entering Washington negotiations with full governmental representation and absolute powers.
Government spokesman Haider Al-Aboudi explained in press statements that current efforts are focused on resolving the nine remaining portfolios in the ministerial cabinet. Al-Aboudi indicated that this move comes as a proactive step preceding the anticipated meeting between Al-Zaidi and US President Donald Trump, to strengthen Iraq's negotiating position on sensitive issues.
The Iraqi parliament had granted confidence to Al-Zaidi with only 14 ministers in mid-May, while sovereign ministries such as defense and interior remained pending due to political tug-of-war. The government faces pressure from political forces participating in the political process that have not yet agreed on the distribution of remaining shares, which has hindered the completion of the ministerial quorum for weeks.
Security sources indicate that Al-Zaidi's government has set a clear 'roadmap' aimed at achieving tangible progress in high-level appointments and sovereign positions before leaving the country. This visit is Al-Zaidi's first abroad since taking office, which gives it exceptional importance in shaping Iraq's new foreign policy and consolidating the pillars of internal stability.
Regarding relations with Washington, the US administration is awaiting practical steps from Baghdad regarding restricting weapons to official state institutions. These demands come as a basic condition for continued military and economic support, as Washington seeks to reduce the influence of armed factions and ensure the independence of Iraqi security decisions away from external interference.
In an initial response to these pressures, recent weeks have witnessed announcements from prominent armed factions, including Asa'ib Ahl al-Haq, about handing over the administration of their brigades within the Popular Mobilization Forces to government control. However, challenges remain with other factions that refuse to give up their weapons, especially given the continued presence of international coalition forces in the northern bases.
In addition to the security file, Al-Zaidi carries heavy economic files aimed at attracting American investments to rebuild the dilapidated infrastructure. Baghdad is particularly seeking to develop the oil and energy sector through international partnerships, which could contribute to alleviating the severity of the living crises that the Iraqi street has suffered from for years.
It is worth noting that Ali Al-Zaidi's appointment came after a difficult birth and agreements within the 'Coordination Framework', following the exclusion of previous options that caused widespread controversy. Al-Zaidi received an official invitation from President Trump during a phone call last April, which reflected an international desire to support the new government provided that structural reforms are implemented in the state structure.
The completion of the ministerial cabinet will be in the first half of next July, before the visit to Washington.
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Ahead of Trump meeting.. Al-Zaidi's government races against time to resolve vacant ministerial portfolios