Ali al-Zaidi

Rule Changes

Ordered a probe of Maysan council chief Mustafa Da'ir on October 26 after the three-day deadline passed without reopening the crossing

Iraq's Al-Sheeb border crossing with Iran remained closed on October 31, about ten days after Baghdad ordered it shut. Maysan's provincial council gave the federal government three days from October 25 to reopen it. That deadline passed on Thursday, October 29, without a reopening.

Updated 6 days ago

Force in Play

Pushing a June 30, 2027 disarmament deadline; says five groups agreed to hand over weapons, while hardliners refuse

The last US troops left Iraq on September 30, ending a military presence that began with the 2003 invasion. About 2,500 soldiers departed their remaining bases, closing the 12-year coalition campaign against the Islamic State group.

Updated Oct 20

Force in Play

Set a June 2027 disarmament deadline and rallied the Coordination Framework behind legal measures against factions that refuse

The last US troops left Iraq on September 30, ending a 12-year mission against the Islamic State. Kata'ib Hezbollah, the most powerful Iran-backed militia in the country, said it would suspend military operations, except against aircraft it considers hostile.

Updated Oct 19

Rule Changes

Completed cabinet with Washington's backing for the appointments

Five months after Ali al-Zaidi took office, Iraq's parliament completed his cabinet on October 15, approving eleven ministers and three deputy prime ministers. One deputy, Laith al-Khazali, is under US sanctions; diplomatic sources say Washington approved the deal after al-Zaidi promised to disarm Iran-backed groups.

Updated Oct 16

Force in Play

As of September 2026: Ordered probe into Maysan command, dismissed its commander, requested Saudi restraint

Iraqi security forces say they seized a drone-launching platform inside Iraq used in the attack that shut Saudi Arabia's East-West oil pipeline. The line carries about 4-5% of global oil supply and is Saudi Arabia's main alternative to the Strait of Hormuz, which has been closed since March.

Updated Sep 13

Force in Play

As of September 2026: Dismissed Maysan province commander after attacks on Saudi Arabia traced to the governorate

Ship crossings through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait fell to 15 on Friday, half the previous day's total. Houthi rebels seized Perim Island that day, completing their takeover of the strait that carries 10 to 12 percent of global trade.

Updated Sep 12