Iraq finalizes US visit agenda, focusing on armed factions and Kurdistan disputes

Iraq is accelerating preparations for Prime Minister Ali Al-Zaidi’s upcoming visit to the United States, aiming to finalize the agenda and key discussion points across various sectors. An Iraqi official source revealed that the visit, coordinated with Washington, will heavily focus on disarming armed factions and addressing US vetoes on certain political groups, even those willing to surrender their weapons.

US envoy Tom Barrack is expected in Baghdad to help shape the prime minister's agenda and discuss ongoing bilateral concerns. His visit also aims to mediate unresolved issues between the federal government and the Kurdistan Regional Government, with oil disputes being a particular point of US interest. These regional issues are slated to be part of the Iraqi delegation's discussions in Washington.

Domestically, Prime Minister Al-Zaidi is actively engaged in talks with political forces to fill the remaining nine ministerial posts. The goal is to complete the government lineup before the US trip. This cabinet formation is also on the agenda for discussions with Barrack, especially concerning ministerial portfolios designated for groups that have agreed to disarm, which could lead to the lifting of US vetoes. The government is also navigating long-standing constitutional disputes with the Kurdistan Region, alongside more immediate political disagreements over oil exports and power-sharing.