US greenlights Iraqi cabinet with blacklisted factions, say diplomatic sources

Iraq's Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi has appointed Laith al-Khazali, a senior leader from the US-designated terrorist group Asaib Ahl al-Haq, to his cabinet despite international blacklisting. This move comes after receiving tacit approval from the United States, according to diplomatic sources. Al-Khazali and his brother Qais, also designated as global terrorists by Washington, are considered violent proxies of Iran.

However, their faction has gained significant political power, securing 27 seats in the recent parliamentary elections. The US aims to support Zaidi's efforts to disarm Iran-backed groups in Iraq. In a shift, the US has allowed the participation of some previously blacklisted factions in the government, including the Kataeb Sayyid al-Shuhada, which is backed by Iran and has claimed numerous attacks on US interests.

Zaidi initially set a deadline of September 30 for factions to hand over their weapons, but later extended it to June 30 as negotiations continued. The US has previously tolerated the involvement of some designated terrorist groups in Iraqi governments but shifted its stance after mounting pressure to advance disarmament plans.