Political changes in Iraq: PM Ali al-Zaydi announces he will not run in the next elections

[93286] Political changes in Iraq: PM Ali al-Zaydi announces he will not run in the next elections

The Iraqi government spokesperson announced that Prime Minister Ali al-Zaydi will not run in the upcoming elections and will not establish a political party, ahead of his scheduled diplomatic visit to Washington.

Political upheaval in Baghdad: Prime Minister al-Zaydi gives up running for elections

On Saturday, June 21, 2026, the Iraqi government spokesperson, Haider al-Aboudi, revealed a series of dramatic decisions by Prime Minister Ali al-Zaydi. According to reports in Iraqi News Agency (INA), al-Zaydi clarified that he has decided not to run in the upcoming elections and that he does not plan to establish or head any political project or party.

Preparing for the visit to Washington and completing the government

Spokesperson al-Aboudi emphasized that the government is working to complete the 'cabinet' (the government cabinet) before the Prime Minister departs for an official visit to Washington, scheduled for mid-July. According to Iraq One, the completion of the cabinet will take place before the visit, while discussions in the American capital are expected to focus on critical economic and security files, as reported by Al-Mayadeen Iraq.

Internal agenda: corruption, weapons, and economy

Alongside the political announcements, the government is setting strict internal goals. According to Iraqi News Agency (INA), al-Zaydi defined the corruption file as the "most dangerous threat to the country and the political system." In addition, the government is continuing the policy of "limiting weapons to state hands" (hasr al-silah) as part of a reform to stabilize institutions.

Regarding regional relations, the government in Baghdad once again expressed its support for diplomatic solutions to the tensions between the US and Iran, a position that was consistently reflected in most media outlets that reported the spokesperson's words, including Baghdad Today News Agency and Ultra Iraq.