Iraqi PM Zaidi says he will not seek a second term in office

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Zomdeddin Ali Zaidi announced that he will not run for a second term as prime minister. In a statement issued in Baghdad, Zaidi said his government remains focused on implementing long-term economic and institutional reforms, and that he intends to use his remaining time in office to advance those goals. The prime minister identified economic stability and the strengthening of state institutions as the government's top priorities. The statement said cabinet work would continue along the same trajectory in the coming period, with reforms proceeding without interruption and the independence of institutions preserved. Zaidi did not elaborate on a potential successor or the timing of a leadership transition. No further details were immediately available on how his decision would affect ongoing political negotiations or the broader balance of power in Baghdad.