US objection delays talks on completing Iraq’s Zaidi government

Talks aimed at completing Iraq’s Zaidi government have been delayed after a reported US objection, according to Asharq Al-Awsat. The report said the dispute has slowed efforts to settle remaining posts in Baghdad.

Asharq Al-Awsat said the issue centers on the final shape of the cabinet and the distribution of positions among political forces. It did not provide details on which appointments were affected or how long the pause may last.

The reported setback comes as Iraqi leaders continue bargaining over government formation and power-sharing arrangements. The newspaper’s account did not say whether the talks had been formally suspended.

Iraq has often needed extended negotiations to assemble governing coalitions after elections, with outside actors sometimes influencing the process.