Sadr calls Zaidi to congratulate him on new government, urges fight against corruption

BAGHDAD — Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr held a phone call Sunday with Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi, congratulating him on forming the new government and urging him to protect Iraq’s sovereignty, fight corruption and improve public services.

Sadr’s private office said he praised Zaidi’s “enthusiasm, determination and insistence on improving the Iraqi reality,” and stressed “the need to stand firmly against corruption, preserve the country’s resources, and secure a dignified life for the Iraqi people through improving services, meeting needs and preserving rights.”

Sadr announced his final withdrawal from political work in August 2022 and ordered the closure of all Sadrist institutions during a political crisis that preceded the formation of former Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani’s government. He later declared his withdrawal from public life following armed clashes in Baghdad’s Green Zone involving some of his supporters. The Sadrist Movement did not participate in the November 2025 parliamentary elections.

Parliament granted confidence to Zaidi’s government Thursday during a session attended by 266 lawmakers, approving 14 ministers while postponing votes on several ministries. Zaidi officially assumed office Saturday during a handover ceremony attended by Sudani.