U.S. Opposes Inclusion of Armed Groups in New Iraqi Government

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi has relayed a message from the United States to Iraqi political factions over the past two days regarding the formation of the new government. The message states that Washington firmly opposes the inclusion of armed groups in the government, even if those groups disarm or withdraw from military activities. According to a political source, the U.S. warned that granting ministries or senior state positions to these groups could trigger political and administrative repercussions from the U.S. and Western nations. Some political circles had previously considered offering positions to certain groups if they announced they were laying down their arms, but the U.S. position has rendered those plans uncertain. Reports indicate that the Asaib Ahl al-Haq movement is among the groups that had been discussed for potential government roles. Prime Minister al-Zaidi has communicated the content of the U.S. message to the political forces currently involved in government formation negotiations.