Media: US blocks formation of Iraqi government

The United States is hindering efforts to complete the formation of Iraq’s government under Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi, Asharq Al-Awsat reports, citing sources.

Sources said Washington’s position has become one of the reasons for prolonged disagreements among Iraqi political forces over the appointment of heads of several key ministries, including defence, interior, higher education and planning.

The government, formed in May, currently has 14 ministers, with 9 ministerial portfolios vacant.

Sources noted that the US administration is demanding the complete disarmament of armed groups operating in Iraq and a reduction in Iran’s influence.

As a result, Washington opposes appointing representatives of armed factions to ministerial positions.

A leader of the Shiite Coordination Framework alliance made it clear that US pressure could prolong the government crisis for several more months. According to him, Washington has set clear “red lines” regarding candidates put forward by the alliance.

At the same time, US efforts to restrict the circulation of weapons in Iraq are facing strong resistance from Iran.

In these circumstances, Washington is likely to insist that the security ministries — the Ministry of Defence and the Ministry of Interior — remain under Prime Minister al-Zaidi’s direct personal control for the time being.

By Bakhtiyar Abbasov