WASHINGTON - US State Department said Wednesday Washington is seeking “action, not words” from Iraqi leaders as concerns grow over armed militias within state institutions, while Prime Minister-Designate Ali al-Zaidi is expected to announce his cabinet in the coming days.
“The Iraqi leaders, including the Prime Minister-designate, understand what the United States is looking for,” the senior US State Department told reporters, adding that they are "looking for action, not words.”
The official described a “blurry line” between the Iraqi state and armed militias, saying reform requires concrete steps including expelling “terrorist militias” from state institutions, cutting access to the national budget, and stopping salary payments to fighters.
The remarks come as discussions continue over forming Iraq’s next federal government.
On Wednesday, Zaidi’s office said that he received a phone call from US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, who congratulated him on his designation to form the new government.
They discussed bilateral relations in various fields, particularly security cooperation under the Strategic Framework Agreement, and emphasized the importance of reactivating training to bolster the capabilities of the Iraqi Armed Forces.