Shafaq News- Washington

The Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) on Friday imposed sanctions on seven Iraqi armed groups’ commanders, accusing them of planning, directing, and executing attacks against US personnel, facilities, and interests in Iraq.

In a statement published by the US Department of the Treasury, the individuals were described as senior figures in some of Iraq’s most violent Iran-backed factions, including Kataib Hezbollah, Kataib Sayyid al-Shuhada, Harakat al-Nujaba, and Asaib Ahl al-Haq.

“These militias operate with near-total impunity,” the Treasury said, accusing them of attacking US personnel and civilians across Iraq, siphoning national resources to finance their activities, and undermining Iraq’s sovereignty and democratic processes.

Key figures sanctioned include Ammar Jasim Kadhim al-Ramahi, an operational commander in Kataib Hezbollah, Radhwan Yousif Hameed al-Mohammad and Hasan Dheyab Hamzah, senior Kataib Hezbollah officials, Safaa Adnan Jabbar Suwaed, a senior Asaib Ahl al-Haq commander, Khalid Jameel Abed Albakhatra and Saeed Kadhim Mukhamis, senior Kataib Sayyid al-Shuhada officials, and Husham Hashim Jaythoom, a trainer affiliated with Harakat al-Nujaba. According to the Treasury, several of those designated played direct roles in coordinating attacks, selecting targets, and managing operational planning against US forces and coalition partners in Iraq.

Kataib Hezbollah, Asaib Ahl al-Haq, Harakat al-Nujaba, and Kataib Sayyid al-Shuhada are already listed as Specially Designated Global Terrorists (SDGT) and Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTO).

As a result of the sanctions, all assets and property interests of the designated individuals within US jurisdiction are frozen, and US persons are generally prohibited from engaging in transactions with them. The measures also expose foreign financial institutions to potential secondary sanctions if they facilitate significant dealings involving the listed figures.

Shafaq News- Baghdad

Competition between former Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki and caretaker premier Mohammed Shia al-Sudani for Iraq’s next government leadership has begun to ease, as al-Maliki consolidated support within the ruling Shiite bloc, a political source told Shafaq News on Friday.

The rivalry, which had peaked in recent days, is now gradually receding after al-Maliki secured documented endorsements backing either his candidacy or a nominee of his choosing.

Read more: Nouri Al-Maliki: A name that tests memory

Al-Maliki succeeded in drawing key figures from the Coordination Framework into his camp, strengthening his position ahead of a decisive internal vote. However, several influential leaders -including Ammar al-Hakim, Qais al-Khazali, and Haider al-Abadi- remain reluctant to endorse his bid, alongside al-Sudani himself, the source added.

Read more: Unsettled victory: Al-Sudani's second term

Al-Maliki, according to the source, is currently estimated to hold between seven and eight of the 12 votes representing the Shiite leadership bloc, placing him within reach of securing the nomination. Under a preliminary understanding among leading candidates, the contender who obtains at least eight out of the 12 votes would effectively secure consensus, as remaining factions are expected to align with the majority.

A decisive meeting of the Coordination Framework is scheduled for tomorrow at al-Hakim’s residence to select a nominee for prime minister, as constitutional timelines narrow following the election of Iraq’s president.

Read more: The Constitution that cannot enforce its own deadlines

Shafaq News-Kirkuk

Asaib Ahlal-Haq Secretary-General Qais al-Khazali said Friday that the politicalagreement he personally brokered in late 2024 includes a rotation clause underwhich the Kirkuk governorship will pass to the Arab component after the currentTurkmen term, completing a sequence that began with a Kurdish governor.

Earlier, theKirkuk Provincial Council elected Mohammed Samaan, head of the Iraqi TurkmenFront, as the province's new governor, replacing Rebwar Taha of the PatrioticUnion of Kurdistan (PUK). Al-Khazali considered the step “strengthens theparticipation of all of Kirkuk's communities in administering the province.”

No Turkmenfigure had governed Kirkuk since the fall of Saddam Hussein in 2003. Under therotation framework, the governorship is to transfer to a Sunni Arab candidatefollowing the Turkmen term, remaining in Arab hands until the next provincialcouncil elections. Outgoing governor Taha is set to assume the post of firstdeputy governor under the same arrangement.

The KurdistanDemocratic Party (KDP), which holds two seats on the council, boycottedThursday's session, rejecting the vote outright. The party said it would onlyrecognize decisions reached with the full participation of all politicalparties and community representatives —the same position it held when itboycotted the original August 2024 formation session.

Read more: Kirkuk installs its first Turkmen Governor in two decades, but not everyone accepts it

Shafaq News- Kirkuk

Kirkuk's newly installed governor vowed Thursday to govern for all of the province's communities, as dozens of Kurdish residents rallied outside the governorate building to protest his appointment.

Muhammad Saman, confirmed by the Kirkuk Provincial Council earlier today following the acceptance of outgoing governor Rebwar Taha's resignation, told council members he represents "all of Kirkuk's components, Turkmen, Arabs, and Kurds," and pledged to rotate senior posts among the province's communities. His immediate priorities, he said, are resolving the fuel crisis, extending electricity supply hours, and improving public services across the province.

"Kirkuk needs solidarity and joint work, away from political disputes," Saman said, calling his administration's mandate "a new page in the province's history."

The pledge did little to quell tensions on the street. Largely Kurdish protesters gathered at the governorate building, demanding Taha's reinstatement and warning that a leadership change risked destabilizing one of Iraq's most ethnically complex provinces. Demonstrators carried banners and chanted in support of the outgoing governor, according to our correspondent.

Shafaq News- Kirkuk

Kirkuk's provincial council voted Thursday to install Mohammed Samaan as the city's first Turkmen governor, implementing a two-year-old power-sharing deal.

The Turkmen Iraqi Front's Ahmed Ramzi confirmed quorum was met and the council proceeded with the vote, saying the move aimed to end administrative deadlock and ensure stable, representative governance reflecting Kirkuk's diverse communities.

A source told Shafaq News that Samaan was set to take the governorship while outgoing Governor Rebwar Taha would assume the post of first deputy governor and deputy council speaker as part of the broader rotation framework.

The Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) declared the session illegitimate. Parliamentary bloc leader Shakhwan Abdullah called the vote "an illegal process conducted outside the will of Kirkuk's people," saying his party would not bow to "suspicious Al-Rasheed Hotel deals."

KDP spokesman Mahmoud Mohammed said the party supported the rights of all communities but could not accept arrangements imposed on the city "in bad faith and without the participation of parties that represent Kirkuk's steadfast people," adding that the KDP would only back decisions made with the participation of all political parties and community representatives.

The Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) confirmed its participation in the session. Spokesman Karwan Gaznei said the rotation was the result of a prior two-year-old agreement and represented "a normal democratic process," stressing that "no position is a political inheritance." He clarified the Kirkuk governorship change had no connection to the presidential post, describing it purely as the implementation of a pre-existing political understanding.

The crisis traces back to August 2024, when more than half the council elected Taha as governor at a session held at Baghdad's Al-Rasheed Hotel -boycotted by the KDP, Turkmens, and several Arab members- leaving the administration disputed from day one.

Shafaq News- Baghdad

Iraqi Shiite leaders have agreed on a mechanism to selectthe country’s next prime minister, centering on a two-thirds majority rule, asource within the Coordination Framework (CF) told Shafaq News on Thursday.

Under the emerging formula, any candidate securing thebacking of eight out of 12 senior Shiite leaders would effectively achieveconsensus, paving the way for the remaining factions to align and complete therequired two-thirds support.

Negotiations within the CF, Iraq’slargest parliamentary bloc, continue to shape the government formation process.A CF meeting initially scheduled for Wednesday was postponed after severalFramework leaders boycotted the session.

Earlier this week, Iraq’s State of Law Coalition rejectedreports that its leader, former Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, might withdrawhis candidacy for the premiership. Coalition member Zuhair al-Jalabi conveyedto Shafaq News that al-Maliki “has not and will not step aside for any of thenames circulating in the media,” describing such claims as inaccurate. The remarks came after Qusay Mahbuba of the Reconstructionand Development Coalition (Al-Imaar wal-Tanmiya), led by caretaker PrimeMinister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, suggested that al-Maliki could step aside infavor of Basim al-Badri, raising questions over whether such a move wouldsignal a political exit or risk fracturing the CF.

Under Iraq’s post-2003 power-sharing system, the presidencyis held by a Kurd, the premiership by a Shiite, and the speakership by a SunniArab. Parliament elected Nizar Amedi as president on April 11, triggering theconstitutional process to name a prime minister. According to Article 76 of theconstitution, the CF has 15 days from that date to nominate its candidate,after which the designated prime minister has 30 days to form a government andsecure parliamentary confidence.

Read more: Al-Maliki sounds different this time — the world is not convinced yet

Shafaq News- Abu Dhabi

The United Arab Emirates on Wednesday summoned Iraq’s chargéd’affaires in Abu Dhabi to protest attacks it attributed to armed Iraqifactions targeting its territory, calling on the Iraqi government to urgently preventany hostile acts originating from its territory and directed toward Gulfcountries.

In a statement, the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs handedthe Iraqi diplomat Omar Abdulmajid Hamid Al-Obaidi a strongly worded protestnote expressing the UAE’s condemnation of what it described as ongoing“terrorist attacks” launched from Iraqi territory, claiming that the attackswere carried out by armed groups affiliated with Iran, despite the announcementof a ceasefire.

The attacks targeted vital facilities in Gulf CooperationCouncil (GCC) countries, calling them a violation of national sovereignty,airspace, international law, and the United Nations Charter. The protest note,delivered by Ahmed Juma Al-Marashda, Director of the Arab Affairs Department,warned that continued attacks by Iran and its “affiliated groups” threatenregional stability and undermine international efforts to provide security.

Read more: Six Arab states urge Iraq to halt cross-border attacks by armed factions

It added that such actions place relations with Iraq underserious strain, with potential negative consequences for cooperation and tiesbetween Iraq and GCC member states.

The statement also referenced United Nations SecurityCouncil Resolution 2817 (2026), supported by 136 countries, which calls for animmediate and unconditional halt to provocations or threats against neighboringstates, including through “proxy actors.” The UAE reaffirmed the importance ofIraq’s role in promoting regional stability and maintaining its sovereignty,urging Baghdad to act as a responsible partner in its regional environment.

Shafaq News- Baghdad

Iraq’s Parliament Speaker Haibet al-Halbousi on Wednesday endorseda draft law to reinstate compulsory military service, describing it as a“security and social necessity” to strengthen the armed forces and shape adisciplined generation.

According to a statement from al-Halbousi's media office, theproposal follows his recent visit to the Ministry of Defense, where discussionswith senior military leaders highlighted the need to review volunteer agerequirements and improve their service conditions.

The proposal aims to promote national awareness and social cohesionamong youth, reduce unemployment by directing young people toward organizedstate service, and limit their involvement in negative behaviors.

Developed after consultations with parliamentary bloc leaders andlawmakers, the draft is intended to advance through a legislative process thatreflects the public interest and addresses Iraq’s national security needs inthe coming phase.

Iraq’s Compulsory Service Law

Compulsory military service was enforced in Iraq for decades beforebeing suspended in 2003 under orders issued after the US-led invasion. Itslegal framework dates back to the 1938 National Defense Law, later replaced bythe 1969 Military Service Law, which remained in force until the system washalted.

Iraq’s constitution mandates the enactment of legislationregulating military service. A draft Service of the Flag Law was approved bythe Defense Ministry in 2016 and reintroduced by the government in 2021, but ithas yet to pass due to political disagreements and social and economicconcerns.

Read more: Compulsory military service stirs controversy: Militarization of society or national value?

Shafaq News- Baghdad

Deep divisions within Iraq’s Shiite Coordination Framework (CF) threaten a key meeting to agree on a prime minister candidate, as leaders remain split over forming the next government, a source told Shafaq News on Wednesday.

The deadlock comes after the election of President Nizar Amedi on April 11, setting a 15-day deadline for the largest bloc, the CF, to nominate a prime minister.

The CF has fractured into three factions, with one backing former prime minister and the State of Law Coalition (SLC) leader Nouri Al-Maliki or a candidate he endorses. Another supports reappointing caretaker Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani, while a third favors a compromise candidate.

The standoff intensified after Al-Maliki was initially named the CF’s nominee in January, before internal opposition and external pressure –notably from the United States– forced a reassessment.

Names under discussion also include Basim Al-Badri, head of the Accountability and Justice Commission, Ali Al-Shukri, presidential adviser and former minister, Hamid Al-Shatri, intelligence chief, Abdul-Ilah Al-Naili, head of the Martyrs Foundation, and Mohsen Al-Mandalawi, former acting speaker and leader of the Al-Asas Alliance.

A dispute has also emerged over how to withdraw Al-Maliki’s candidacy, the source said. The State of Law Coalition (SLC) leader is demanding individually signed objections, while opponents seek a collective decision to avoid direct confrontation. Earlier, coalition member Zuhair Al-Jalabi told Shafaq News that Al-Maliki “has not and will not step aside for any of the names circulating in the media,” describing such claims as inaccurate. He stressed that Al-Maliki’s position is final and unchanged.

Read more: Al-Maliki sounds different this time — the world is not convinced yet

Shafaq News- Kirkuk

Kirkuk Governor Rebwar Taha remains in office, his media officeaffirmed on Wednesday, amid circulating reports of his resignation.

In a statement, the office denied that any formal resignation hadbeen submitted to the provincial council, confirming that Taha continues tocarry out his legal and administrative duties.

It added that the governor will comply with any decision by thePatriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) regarding a potential leadership change,while emphasizing that maintaining stability in Kirkuk and sustaining serviceprojects remain top priorities.

Read more: Kirkuk’s fragile power-sharing pact begins to fracture

Shafaq News-Al-Muthanna

Al-MuthannaProvincial Council on Tuesday rescheduled the questioning of Governor MuhannadAl-Atabi to April 21 after postponing the session for the third time, amidongoing political and legal disputes.

The ProvincialCouncil had stated on February 24 that Al-Atabi stepped down ahead of a plannedquestioning session and elected Ahmed Munfi Jawda with 10 of 12 votes.Al-Atabi, however, disputed that account, maintaining he attended the session,found no legally convened meeting, and rejected the validity of any resignationattributed to him. The Samawah Court of First Instance later overturned thedecision to remove him, confirming that he remains in office.

Shafaq News- Baghdad

Iraq’s State of Law Coalition on Wednesdaydenied reports that its leader, former prime minister Nouri al-Maliki, maywithdraw his candidacy for the premiership.

Coalition member Zuhair al-Jalabi toldShafaq News that al-Maliki “has not and will not step aside for any of thenames circulating in the media,” describing such claims as inaccurate. Hestressed that al-Maliki’s position is final and unchanged.

Al-Jalabi said the Coordination Framework (CF)—the Shiite alliance that holds the largest bloc in parliament and nominatedal-Maliki in January— can replace its candidate through a majority vote.However, he confirmed that no alternative nominee has been agreed so far.

Al-Maliki, he added, has called on thealliance to formally announce any potential replacement through internalconsensus, as was done with his nomination.

The response follows remarks by Qusay Mahbubaof the Reconstruction and Development Coalition (Al-Ima'ar wal-Tanmiya) led by caretakerPrime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, who suggested that al-Maliki might stepaside in favor of Basim al-Badri, questioning whether such a move wouldsignal a political exit or risk fracturing the Coordination Framework.

#العراق_اولاً #الاعمار_والتنمية#امارجي pic.twitter.com/mQICwKutzY

— حزب امارجي الليبرالي (@amarjiparty) April 15, 2026

Under Iraq’s post-2003 power-sharingsystem, the presidency is held by a Kurd, the premiership by a Shiite, and thespeakership by a Sunni Arab. Parliament elected Nizar Amedi as president onApril 11, triggering the constitutional process to name a prime minister. TheCF has 15 days from that date to nominate its candidate. Once designated, theprime minister has 30 days to form a government and secure parliamentaryconfidence under Article 76 of the constitution.

Meanwhile, the Reconstruction andDevelopment Coalition continues to back al-Sudani for a second term. Apolitical source told Shafaq News that al-Maliki had indicated he couldconsider withdrawing his bid on condition that al-Sudani is not re-nominated.

Read more: Al-Maliki sounds different this time — the world is not convinced yet

Shafaq News-Baghdad

Iraq’scaretaker Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani marked the 38th anniversary ofthe Anfal campaign on Tuesday, honoring Kurdish victims of the former Baathistregime's military operations.

Al-Sudanidescribed the campaigns as racist crimes that subjected peaceful citizens to"the most heinous forms of killing andpersecution, in blatant violation of all values, customs, and laws." Hesaid Iraq today takes pride in the unity of the country and the brotherhoodamong its components and nationalities, "Under a democratic,constitutional, and pluralistic system in which all Iraqis live with dignity,free from discrimination and division."

With deep sorrow and painful remembrance, we mark 38 years since the racist crimes committed by the dictatorial regime and its criminal gangs against our Kurdish people during the brutal Anfal campaigns.On days such as these, more than three decades ago, our peaceful Kurdish…

— محمد شياع السوداني (@mohamedshia) April 14, 2026

About theGenocide

The Anfalcampaign, which began in 1986, intensified in 1988, and continued through 1989,was led by Ali Hassan al-Majid, infamously known as "Chemical Ali."He served as Secretary General of the Baath Party's Northern Bureau andmilitary governor of the region, while the military operations were commandedby former Iraqi Defense Minister Sultan Hashim.

On May 3, 2011,the Iraqi High Criminal Court classified the Anfal campaign as a crime againsthumanity and genocide, convicting al-Majid, who was also behind the chemicalattack on Halabja. He was sentenced to death and executed on January 25, 2010.

The KurdistanRegional Government has designated April 14 annually as a day of remembrancefor the victims of this genocide.

Read more: Kurdistan remains a steadfast haven for the persecuted 40 years after the Anfal genocide

Shafaq News- Baghdad

Iraq’s Shiite Coordination Framework (CF), the largest bloc inparliament, has narrowed its list of candidates for prime minister as keyleaders met on Monday to outline the next phase of talks aimed at resolving theleadership race.

A source told Shafaq News that the meeting was held at the residence offormer Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, and brought together Head of the SupremeIslamic Council Hammam Hammoudi, al-Hikma (Wisdom) National Movement leaderAmmar al-Hakim, Asaib Ahl al-Haq Secretary-General Qais al-Khazali, and PopularMobilization Forces (PMF) official Abu Fadak al-Mohammadawi.

Al-Maliki proposed former minister Ali al-Shukri as a potentialcandidate, with participants agreeing to include him in the pool for collectivereview at the next session. The closed-door talks followed hours after abroader CF meeting, initially scheduled for today, waspostponed as several Framework leaders chose to boycott the session.

Under Article 76 of the constitution, the largest parliamentary bloc has15 days to nominate a prime minister after the election of a president, a stepthat formally launches the government formation process. Parliament electedNizar Amedi on Saturday, completing the constitutional requirement and pavingthe way for the largest bloc to form a government.

Read more: Iraq's Presidential vote was a coalition rehearsal —and the premiership battle has already begun

Shafaq News- Baghdad

Iraq’s Shiite clerical authority in Najaf, led by Ayatollah Ali Al-Sistani, reaffirmed it will not intervene in selecting a prime minister candidate, a source told Shafaq News on Monday, as Shiite political forces move to choose a premier.

The authority has “repeatedly conveyed” this stance to Coordination Framework (CF) leaders and closed its doors to politicians, signaling it will not engage in consultations over top posts.

The CF was set to meet today to discuss nine candidates for prime minister, including a potential compromise figure; however, another source confirmed that the talks has been postponed due to disagreements among its members.

Under Article 76 of the constitution, the largest parliamentary bloc has 15 days to nominate a prime minister following the election of a president, a step that formally begins the government formation process. Parliament elected Nizar Amedi on Saturday, completing the constitutional requirement before assigning the largest bloc to form a government.

Read more: Iraq's premiership battle has already begun

Shafaq News- Baghdad

Bahrain's Foreign Ministry summoned Iraq's Chargé d'Affaires Ahmed Ismail al-Karawi on Monday, delivering a formal protest note over continued drone attacks on the kingdom and Gulf Cooperation Council states launched from Iraqi territory.

Director General of Bilateral Relations Ambassador Abdullah bin Ali Al-Khalifa conveyed Bahrain's "strong condemnation" of the strikes and pressing Iraq to address the attacks urgently and responsibly in line with relevant international and regional laws and conventions.

The summoning makes Bahrain the third Gulf state in recent days to formally protest Iraq over cross-border drone attacks, following similar moves by Saudi Arabia and Kuwait.

The Islamic Resistance in Iraq (IRI) claimed hundreds of attacks on US interests in the Gulf region since the start of the US-Israel war on Iran on February 28.

Read more: Iraqi Armed factions' cross-border attacks draw legal warnings and Arab pressure

Shafaq News- Baghdad

The Coordination Framework's meeting, scheduled for Monday at the residence of Ammar al-Hakim, leader of the Al-Hikma (Wisdom) National Movement, has been postponed after several Framework leaders boycotted the session, a political source told Shafaq News.

The postponement will hold until attendance of all leadership is confirmed, to settle the prime ministerial file within the constitutional 15-day window following the election of the president.

Amer al-Fayez, head of the Tasmeem Alliance, had revealed that the Framework was intended to discuss nine prime ministerial candidates at Monday's meeting.

Read More: Iraq Government Formation: The Constitution that cannot enforce its own deadlines

Shafaq News-Baghdad

Iraqi politicalsources revealed Monday a governmental and political push to revive the posts ofvice president, with a proposal to assign the two positions to Nouri al-Malikiand Mohammed al-Halbousi as part of broader settlement efforts aimed atachieving political balance.

The pairingreflects Iraq's informal power-sharing system known as muhasasa, under whichkey state posts are distributed along sectarian and ethnic lines —al-Maliki isa Shiite, and al-Halbousi is a Sunni.

Thevice-presidential posts were abolished by the government of Haider al-Abadi in2016 as part of a reform package, before the Federal Supreme Court later ruledthe abolition unconstitutional, affirming that the position is a constitutionalobligation.

One source toldShafaq News that political forces within the State Administration Coalition,which includes the main Shiite, Sunni, and Kurdish parties, are studying amechanism to reactivate the two posts, with both figures potentially open tothe proposal.

ParliamentSpeaker Haibet al-Halbousi called on President Nizar Amiedi, following hisswearing-in on Saturday, April 11, to consult with political blocs onnominating vice presidents in accordance with Article 75 of the Iraqiconstitution.

Firas al-Maslamawi,spokesman for the Reconstruction and Development Coalition bloc, led bycaretaker PM Mohammad Shia al-Sudani, said that while reactivating the posts isunder discussion within political understandings, al-Maliki had previouslyrejected the position and is unlikely to accept it even if reactivated, with nodecision expected soon.

On the primeministerial question, al-Maslamawi said al-Sudani remains the frontrunner for asecond term, backed by the majority of Framework factions, with theReconstruction and Development Coalition holding 51 parliamentary seats.However, another political source told Shafaq News that al-Sudani has receivedcautionary messages from Shiite leaders warning him not to rely on thepresidential election results, as the numbers are not fixed and the previousscenario may not repeat.

Al-Maliki,leader of the State of Law Coalition, separately told Framework leaders Mondayhe is willing to withdraw his own prime ministerial candidacy on the conditionthat al-Sudani is not nominated for a second term. He also stipulated that nofigure who previously served as prime minister be considered, a condition understoodto target former premier Haider al-Abadi.

Shafaq News- Baghdad

Nourial-Maliki, head of the State of Law Coalition, has told Coordination Frameworkleaders he is willing to withdraw his candidacy for prime minister on thecondition that incumbent PM Mohammed Shia al-Sudani is not nominated for asecond term, a source told Shafaq News Monday.

Read more: Iraq Government Formation: The Constitution that cannot enforce its own deadlines

Al-Maliki also stipulatedthat no figure who previously served as prime minister be nominated, acondition, the source pointed out, understood by other figures, to targetHaider al-Abadi, leader of the al-Nasr Coalition, who previously served asprime minister from 2014 to 2018 during the war against ISIS.

According to the source, several names are under consideration for the post, though no candidate has been finalized, and today’s Coordination Framework meeting is expected to discuss al-Maliki's conditions and examine alternative candidates.

The source noted that PMF (Popular Mobilization Forces) leadership is expected to play a role in determining the final nominee, and that the meeting may not produce a conclusive decision, with a final choice potentially deferred to a subsequent session.

Read more: Nouri Al-Maliki’s return rekindles Iraq’s divisions as Iran and the US pull apart

The Reconstruction and Development Coalition (Al-Ima'ar wal-Tanmiya) confirmed Monday it is strongly pushing its leader, al-Sudani, as its candidate to form the next Iraqi government, with a decision potentially expected within 48 hours.

The Coordination Framework, which holds the largest bloc in parliament, was formally tasked by the Speaker of the Council of Representatives on April 11 to nominate a prime ministerial candidate within 15 days. Once a candidate is approved, the designated premier has 30 days to present a cabinet and secure a parliamentary confidence vote, in accordance with Article 76 of the Iraqi constitution.

Read more: Al-Maliki sounds different this time — the world is not convinced yet

Shafaq News- Baghdad

TheReconstruction and Development Coalition (Al-Ima'ar wal-Tanmiya) confirmedMonday it is strongly pushing its leader, Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, as itscandidate to form the next Iraqi government, with a decision potentiallyexpected within 48 hours.

Khaled Walid, asenior coalition official, told Shafaq News that al-Sudani currently commandsbroad support within the Coordination Framework, with more than nine factionsbacking his nomination for a second term, adding that support for al-Sudanialso extends beyond the Framework to other Iraqi political parties.

"Webelieve the next 48 hours could be decisive regarding al-Sudani's mandate toform the new Iraqi government, particularly given the challenges facing Iraq,which certainly require a government with broad political cover capable of overcomingthe crises the country is going through," Walid said.

Read more: Iraq's Presidential vote: a rehearsal for the premiership battle

TheCoordination Framework, a bloc grouping predominantly Shiite politicalfactions, is scheduled to hold a decisive meeting Monday evening to discussnine candidates for the prime ministerial post, according to Amer al-Fayez,head of the Tasmeem Alliance.

A politicalsource said Saturday that Basem al-Badri is being considered as a compromisecandidate for the post within the Framework.

Read more: Iraq Government Formation: The Constitution that cannot enforce its own deadlines

The Framework, which holds the largest bloc inparliament, was formally tasked by the Speaker of the Council ofRepresentatives on April 11 to nominate a prime ministerial candidate within 15 days. Once a candidate is approved, the designated premier has 30 days topresent a cabinet and secure a parliamentary confidence vote, in accordancewith Article 76 of the Iraqi constitution.

Shafaq News- Baghdad

On Sunday, Iraq’s caretaker Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani andLebanese President Joseph Aoun called on major international powers to takeresponsibility for violations in Lebanon and the direct targeting of civilians.

The PM’s office said Al-Sudani discussed developments in Lebanon withAoun, and condemned the attacks targeting Lebanon by "the Zionistoccupation forces [Israeli forces], stressing Iraq’s firm position insupporting the Lebanese people.”

Earlier today, Lebanese media outlets reported that Israeli airstrikesacross southern Lebanon killed 22 people and wounded 40, while Hezbollahtargeted Israeli troops, vehicles, and settlements, using rockets and drones.

Since hostilities between Hezbollah and Israel resumed on March 2,Israeli strikes have killed more than 2,055 people and injured 6,588 others,including children and women, according to Lebanon’s Health Ministry.

Shafaq News- Baghdad

Nouri al-Maliki remained the Coordination Framework’s (CF) only formally voted prime ministerial candidate, CF member Abu Mithaq al-Massari told Shafaq News on Sunday, warning that any move to replace him required a written withdrawal of his nomination before alternatives could be considered.

The remarks came as Tasmim Alliance chief Amer al-Fayez disclosed that the Framework would sit down tomorrow at the home of al-Hikma (Wisdom) Movement leader Ammar al-Hakim to weigh nine names: al-Maliki, caretaker Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, former PM Haider al-Abadi, Accountability and Justice Commission head Basim al-Badri, Asas Party leader Mohsen al-Mandalawi, Intelligence Service chief Hamid al-Shatri, PM adviser Mohammed Sahib al-Darraji, former Planning Minister Ali Shukri, and National Security Adviser Qassim al-Araji. No candidate held an edge over the others, al-Fayez said, and the meeting would settle on a selection mechanism.

Parliament Speaker Haibet al-Halbousi has given the Framework 15 days under Article 76 to name its candidate, following the inauguration of President Nizar Amedi earlier today.

Read more: The premiership battle has already begun

Shafaq News- Riyadh

Saudi Arabia's Foreign Ministry summoned Iraq's Ambassador Safia Taleb al-Suhail on Sunday over drone attacks on the kingdom and Gulf states launched from Iraqi soil.

Deputy Foreign Minister for Political Affairs Saud al-Sati delivered a formal protest note to the ambassador, according to a statement, conveying Saudi Arabia's condemnation of the strikes and urging Iraq to address such threats responsibly.

Al-Sati reiterated the kingdom's categorical rejection of violations of state sovereignty and attempts to destabilize the region, warning that Saudi Arabia would take all necessary measures to defend its security and protect its territory.

Read more: Iraqi Armed factions' cross-border attacks draw legal warnings and Arab pressure

Shafaq News- Baghdad

The Shiite Coordination Framework (CF), Iraq’s largestparliamentary bloc, has reached a conditional truce between Iraqi armedfactions and the United States, an official told Shafaq News on Sunday.

According to Amer al-Fayez, head of the Tasmeem Alliance andpart of the CF, the committee previously formed by the bloc and chaired by HadiAl-Amiri, leader of the Badr Organization, secured an understanding under whichIraqi factions will suspend military activities against US interests in Iraqand the region, while the US will halt its attacks on sites linked to Iraq’sIslamic Resistance (IRI) and the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), astate-affiliated paramilitary network.

“The suspension could extend beyond the two-week trucesigned between the US and Iran,” he added, noting that the military operationscould come to a complete halt.

Since February 28, IRI-affiliated factions such as KataibHezbollah and Harakat Al-Nujaba have claimed nearly 450 attacks targeting USmilitary facilities across Iraq and the wider region, describing the operationsas part of a broader campaign tied to the US-Israeli war on Iran. Meanwhile, USforces have targeted sites linked to the IRI and the PMF.

Read more: Iraqi Armed factions' cross-border attacks draw legal warnings and Arab pressure

Shafaq News- Baghdad

Nizar Amedi was formally inaugurated as President of Iraq on Sunday in an official ceremony at Baghdad Palace, a day after parliament elected him to the post.

The ceremony opened with the national anthem and an honor guard review, followed by a handover between Amedi and outgoing President Abdul Latif Jamal Rashid. Amedi praised his predecessor's service, saying the peaceful transfer of power was "a fundamental pillar in consolidating democracy and strengthening state stability." Rashid wished the incoming president success in serving Iraq and meeting the aspirations of its people.

Amedi, a senior Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) leader, secured 227 votes in a second round of voting after no candidate cleared the two-thirds threshold in the first round. He becomes Iraq's sixth president since 2003.

Read more: Iraq's Presidential vote was a coalition rehearsal —and the premiership battle has already begun