Tensions Rise Within Coordination Framework Over Deputy PM Posts as Mediation Efforts Begin

Sources within Iraq’s Coordination Framework disclosed details from a recent high-level meeting that saw heated exchanges between the State of Law Coalition, led by Nouri al-Maliki, and the Asa'ib Ahl al-Haq's Sadiquoun Block, led by Qais al-Khazali. The primary point of contention centered on the proposal to establish Deputy Prime Minister positions.

The rejection of the Deputy PM initiative by the State of Law leader derailed initial agreements—which previously calculated the position's weight at 12 parliamentary seats. As a result, political leaders are now forced to reshape the distribution of the remaining vacant seats in Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi’s cabinet under a revised framework.

Despite the procedural friction, the meeting addressed several priority files:

Arms Control Negotiating: Reviewing the slow but steady progress made by the committee tasked with negotiating the status and regulation of weapons with armed factions.

Key Legislation: Pushing forward draft laws for the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), Oil & Gas, the Federal Court, and the Federation Council.

Internal Structure: Drafting clear internal rules and decision-making protocols to ensure organizational unity within the coalition.

In response to the rift, prominent leaders from the Badr Organization and the Hikma Movement have initiated mediation talks to defuse tensions between the State of Law and Sadiquoun blocks, aiming to stabilize the coalition and safeguard existing cabinet quotas.

Meanwhile, a separate quadrilateral meeting involving political figures and armed groups regarding weapons integration was postponed due to the absence of key parties. Formal discussions on weapon containment mechanisms have now been deferred until after late September.