The special envoy of US President Donald Trump and Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi have held talks on two sensitive issues, the future of armed groups in Iraq and the fight against corruption, according to information obtained by Channel8.

Sources told Channel8 that the discussions addressed the planned withdrawal of US forces from Iraq, the status of armed factions, and measures targeting individuals accused of large-scale financial corruption.

US Withdrawal and Weapons Issue

According to Channel8, US forces are expected to withdraw from the Harir base in Erbil in September, which would mark the end of the US military presence in Iraq.

Sources said a withdrawal arrangement has been agreed. Following the completion of the withdrawal, armed groups would be expected to come under full state authority and hand over heavy weapons and drones to the Iraqi government.

Armed Groups Reject Disarmament

Channel8 reported that Kata'ib Hezbollah, Harakat Hezbollah al-Nujaba, and Kata'ib Sayyid al-Shuhada have so far rejected disarmament.

Sources said that if the groups maintain their position beyond September, they may face political isolation from parties within the Coordination Framework. They could also be targeted by a large-scale security operation referred to as “Imposing the Law.”

US Support for Iraqi Government Measures

Channel8 quoted sources as saying that US envoy Tom Barrack reiterated Washington’s support for Prime Minister Ali Zaidi in enforcing state authority.

The sources said any security operation would be led by Iraqi forces, with US air support available if required. A senior Iraqi official is also reportedly engaged in negotiations with the three groups, with knowledge from both US and UK sides.

Proposed Political Restrictions

Channel 8 reported that Washington has proposed that armed factions which surrender their weapons would be excluded from participation in government for four years, until the next election cycle.

The reported measure would not apply to factions outside sanctions lists, including the Badr Organization led by Hadi al-Amiri.

Conditions from Armed Groups

Sources said the armed groups that have not agreed to disarm are demanding legal guarantees that would protect their leaders from prosecution.

They are also requesting official recognition from the Iraqi government for their past role, including a formal statement describing their actions as patriotic.

Corruption Investigations

Channel8 reported that the United States has urged Iraqi authorities to pursue senior figures involved in major corruption cases, claiming that parts of the stolen funds have been used to finance armed groups.

Sources said investigations are underway into the assets of several prominent political figures from Shia, Sunni, and Kurdish backgrounds.

New Testimonies in Oil Ministry Case

Channel8 also reported that Adnan al-Jumaili, a detained deputy at the Oil Ministry, has provided testimony naming several individuals during questioning.

The report added that another key suspect in the corruption investigations is a senior figure from a faction that had previously surrendered its weapons to the state.