Khazali, Abadi meet amid government formation talks

BAGHDAD — Asaib Ahl al-Haq Secretary-General Qais al-Khazali and former Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi met Tuesday in Baghdad amid ongoing talks to form the next government.

Al-Khazali received al-Abadi, head of the Nasr Coalition, at his office, according to a statement from al-Khazali’s media office.

Both sides reviewed political developments and emphasized “the importance of adhering to the official constitutional timelines in forming the government, in a manner consistent with constitutional entitlements and achieving the desired political stability.”

The meeting also addressed security, political and economic conditions, and “the need to strengthen coordination” among national forces to confront challenges and “improve the economic and service situation in line with citizens’ aspirations.”

Both stressed “the importance of prioritizing dialogue and understanding, and joint action to preserve the supreme interest of the country at this sensitive stage.”

Iraq’s government formation has stalled since the 2025 elections. Parliament must elect a president before a prime minister can be tasked, but the constitutional deadline has passed and no session has been scheduled.

The Shiite Coordination Framework has nominated former Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, who served from 2006 to 2014. President Donald Trump said the United States would not continue support for Iraq if al-Maliki returned to office.