Channel8 Exclusive: Ali Faleh al-Zaidi Prepared to Step Down if Deadlock Persists
At a Glance
- Channel8 source says al-Zaidi is prepared to resign.
- PM seeks greater backing from Coordination Framework.
- Disagreements emerge over Saudi Arabia visit.
- Cabinet vacancies and security disputes remain unresolved.
Information obtained by Channel8 indicates that Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Faleh al-Zaidi has informed the Coordination Framework that he is prepared to resign if key political and security issues remain unresolved and if he does not receive greater cooperation from the alliance.
Key Statements and Focus Area
- A source close to the Coordination Framework told Channel8 that al-Zaidi is prepared to resign if the current situation continues.
- The prime minister is reportedly seeking support to implement government and national security decisions.
- Coordination Framework leaders were divided over al-Zaidi's planned visit to Saudi Arabia.
- The source said al-Zaidi is urging progress on the disarmament of armed groups and completion of his cabinet.
Prime Minister Signals Readiness to Resign
A source close to the Coordination Framework told Channel8 that Prime Minister Ali Faleh al-Zaidi has expressed concern over Iraq's current political situation.
According to the source, al-Zaidi informed the alliance that he is prepared to resign if the ongoing political deadlock continues and key issues remain unresolved.
The source said al-Zaidi has become increasingly frustrated with political pressure and has insisted that decisions issued by the Council of Ministers and the Ministerial Council for National Security be respected and implemented.
He also reportedly called on Coordination Framework leaders to fulfill previous commitments and cooperate on what he described as sensitive national issues.
According to the source, al-Zaidi has urged political leaders to accelerate the disarmament of armed groups.
The source said a prior agreement set September 30 as the deadline for armed groups to hand over their weapons.
The process, however, has reportedly stalled. According to the source, Saraya al-Salam, Asaib Ahl al-Haq, and Kataib Imam Ali have taken steps to separate from the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) Commission and integrate into state institutions.
Meanwhile, Kataib Hezbollah, Harakat al-Nujaba, and Kataib Sayyid al-Shuhada have reportedly refused to surrender their weapons.
The source added that following the recent U.S.-Saudi airstrikes on PMF positions, several armed groups have openly opposed al-Zaidi and rejected calls for disarmament.
Saudi Arabia Visit Sparks Division
The source said al-Zaidi's planned visit to Saudi Arabia exposed divisions within the Coordination Framework.
According to the source, six leaders called for the visit to be canceled entirely, while six others favored postponing it following the U.S.-Saudi strikes on PMF positions.
Al-Zaidi had been scheduled to visit Saudi Arabia on July 28, following trips to the United States, Iran, and Turkey. The visit was later suspended after the airstrikes.
Cabinet Formation Still Incomplete
The source also said al-Zaidi remains concerned about the incomplete formation of his government.
According to the source, nine ministries remain vacant, with only 14 of the 23 ministers receiving parliamentary approval.
FYI
Ali Faleh al-Zaidi's government continues to face multiple political and security challenges, including completing the cabinet, managing relations with the Coordination Framework, and advancing plans to regulate the status of armed groups. The reported disagreements come amid heightened regional tensions following recent military developments and ongoing efforts to strengthen state authority over security institutions.
Dive Deeper: Handpicked Stories for You
Follow Channel8 for continuous updates:
https://channel8.com/english/news/62538
4 hours ago