Al-Zaidi

Iraq's PM al-Zaidi:

"We are working to diversify our oil export ports and develop energy corridors linking Iraq, Turkey, Jordan, and Syria in order to reach global markets."

Rubio on Iraq: the militias have to be disarmed to avoid "Balkanization."

He voiced no doubt about the Iraqi PM's commitment to restricting factional weapons, and said Washington supports the Al-Zaidi government's goals.

Iraqi PM Al-Zaidi to the New York Times:

Bringing all weapons under state control is a necessity, not a choice. The process begins within 90 days, during which the armed factions will not attack and will not be attacked. Disarmament is to be complete by June 30, and any faction still operating after that deadline will be considered outside the law.

He added that Iraq has lost 60% of its monthly oil revenues because of the war.

Iraqi PM al-Zaidi was asked about the strike in Saudi Arabia.

Investigations are still running. A joint commission between Iraq and the Islamic Republic of Iran has been formed, and the results are currently being analyzed.

"We do not want to prejudge anything because we first need reliable findings."

Once those findings are in, he said they will be presented together with the Iranians.

Iraqi PM al-Zaidi: "Until now, Iraq has been dependent on a single strait."

He wants export routes split between Türkiye, Syria and the Mediterranean, with the oil sold to Europe and the U.S.

Iraqi Prime Minister al-Zaidi, on corruption in his government: "Our government will be free of corruption, God willing... because there's no money anyway."

Iraqi PM al-Zaidi met with Oil Ministry officials to examine ways to deal with a closure of the Strait of Hormuz and reduced oil exports. He called to accelerate the reconstruction and development of oil transmission lines and to work with international companies on marketing and selling Iraqi oil.

Iraqi Prime Minister Al-Zaidi:

“We will not allow Iraq to be turned into a failed state, and our government is committed to combating corruption.”