Iraq: Disintegration of Coordination Framework, or New Early Elections

 Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammad Shia al-Sudani speaks at a press conference on Jan. 13. (Reuters)
Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammad Shia al-Sudani speaks at a press conference on Jan. 13. (Reuters)
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Iraq: Disintegration of Coordination Framework, or New Early Elections

 Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammad Shia al-Sudani speaks at a press conference on Jan. 13. (Reuters)
Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammad Shia al-Sudani speaks at a press conference on Jan. 13. (Reuters)

Sources close to influential parties in Iraq point that the political equation that brought about the government of Mohammad Shia al-Sudani will undergo sharp changes.

The sources cited various circumstances, the most important of which is the highly probable return of the leader of As-Sadr movement, Muqtada al-Sadr, to the political arena, and the sharp divisions among the poles of the Coordination Framework.

Shiite parties are trying to anticipate “unexpected big turns” by drawing a new map that may include setting a date for early elections and reaching an understanding with al-Sadr on the next stage.

According to informed sources, the relationship between Sudani and the Framework has become “turbulent and lacking coordination.”

“Al-Sudani and the Framework are both working in opposite directions, and each side looks at the other in a way of domination, not cooperation,” the sources said.

Local media claimed that Al-Sudani would resort to a cabinet reshuffle that might include partisan figures with whom Washington has banned dealings, due to their association with the armed factions. However, Iraqi politicians, who spoke to Asharq Al-Awsat, said that the premier’s intention was linked to the conflict within the Coordination Framework.

In a video broadcast on state television, Sudani appeared to be criticizing the performance of some ministers, noting that others had received threats from their parties.

The Iraqi prime minister had never made such frank statements publicly, which were seen by local public opinion as directed at the Framework coalition.

“A minister’s relationship with the political forces ends after he is nominated and gains the confidence of parliament [...]. Whoever feels pressured or threatened, I am here,” he said.

Questions arise on the status of the Framework, and whether it is able to remain united in supporting the government that it formed.

A leader in the Framework said: “Al-Sadr is ready to move, and everything he does raises the anxiety of the leaders of the Shiite parties, while they got involved in major disputes over the sphere of influence within the government.”

Meanwhile, US Ambassador to Baghdad Alina Romanowski, held several meetings with anti-Washington Shiite leaders, such as the leader of Asa'ib Ahl al-Haq and the deputy speaker of parliament, Mohsen al-Mandalawi.

Although the official statements issued at the end of those meetings were brief in general, the atmosphere of “the coordination framework and the sharp polarization between its parties indicate an accelerated movement that paves the way for a new phase,” as stated by a Shiite leader who assumed a high position in the two previous governments.



Jordan Reserves Right to Down Any ‘Foreign Bodies’

 Missiles fired from Iran towards Israel are intercepted in Jordanian airspace over Amman on June 19, 2025. (AFP)
Missiles fired from Iran towards Israel are intercepted in Jordanian airspace over Amman on June 19, 2025. (AFP)
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Jordan Reserves Right to Down Any ‘Foreign Bodies’

 Missiles fired from Iran towards Israel are intercepted in Jordanian airspace over Amman on June 19, 2025. (AFP)
Missiles fired from Iran towards Israel are intercepted in Jordanian airspace over Amman on June 19, 2025. (AFP)

Jordan has been criticized on social media for “defending Israel” by downing Iranian missiles and drones that have been flying in its airspace.

Official sources stressed that the kingdom “reserves the right to defend its sovereignty and skies against any hostile bodies” regardless of whether they are fired from Iran or Israel.

In remarks to Asharq Al-Awsat, the sources dismissed the online criticism, saying such campaigns were being funded and organized by Jordan’s rivals.

They said that investigations have led to the parties responsible, but they refused to reveal them.

Meanwhile, several drones and rockets have fallen inside Jordanian territory, injuring two children in the al-Zarqa area, some 20 kms east of Amman. A house in the al-Ramtha region was also damaged by the projectiles.

The damage and injuries justify the official Jordanian position that seeks to down any foreign bodies flying over the kingdom to protect lives, said the sources.

Authorities have also received several notices of foreign bodies falling from the sky. They have been dealt with by specialized teams, revealed Jordanian security agencies.

Among the notices was a drone that fell in the Abu Nseir region north of Amman. A vehicle was damaged in the incident. No injuries were reported.

In the Zarqa region, two children were wounded by shrapnel from a foreign body.

Medical teams said they were on highest alert and readiness to tackle these incidents.

Witnesses told Asharq Al-Awsat that eastern and norther regions in the kingdom are “experiencing the war” as they can hear Jordanian defenses down missiles and drones. The noise often leaves the locals in panic.

Authorities do activate alarm systems, urging civilians to take cover, whenever foreign bodies violate the skies.