Peregraf — Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Faleh al-Zaidi said the government’s recent anti-corruption campaign marks only the first phase of a broader effort to combat corruption, recover public funds, and hold those responsible accountable.
Chairing the eighth regular session of the Council of Ministers on Saturday, al-Zaidi said the government would continue pursuing corruption cases and recovering stolen state assets, stressing that there would be “no tolerance” in protecting public funds.
“The recent anti-corruption campaign represents only the first phase,” al-Zaidi said, according to a statement from his office. “The government will continue its efforts to combat corruption and recover public funds.”
He said the government has a responsibility to safeguard the interests of the Iraqi people and reassure citizens that public money is protected and managed responsibly.
Al-Zaidi also instructed Iraq’s oversight bodies to receive and examine reports concerning the performance of ministries and government institutions in order to identify cases of corruption and administrative negligence.
The prime minister said Iraq has endured decades of wars, instability, and the fight against terrorism, adding that his government’s approach differs by strengthening state institutions, ensuring the state’s exclusive control over weapons and the use of force, and preventing corrupt individuals from exploiting public institutions for personal gain.
Al-Zaidi’s remarks come as Iraqi authorities launched a sweeping anti-corruption operation in Baghdad, during which several members of parliament and senior government officials were arrested as part of an expanding investigation linked to former Deputy Oil Minister for Refining Affairs Adnan al-Jumaili.
According to Iraq’s Supreme Judicial Council, the investigation began in October 2025 and uncovered allegations that state resources were used to finance election campaigns and generate illicit profits through government contracts. Authorities say the investigation remains ongoing and that additional political figures could face legal action.