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Iraq Prime Minister Ali Al-Zaidi assumes direct control of intelligence agency
Iraqi Prime Minister and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Ali Al-Zaidi, has taken direct control of the National Intelligence Service. This decision follows the dismissal of the agency’s chief, Hamid Al-Shatri, on Monday, October 27, 2026.
Al-Zaidi announced his leadership during a visit to the agency’s headquarters on Thursday. The Iraqi government stated the move is intended to consolidate national sovereignty and address current regional challenges. During a meeting with agency officers, Al-Zaidi emphasized that the intelligence service belongs to all Iraqis and must be kept free from partisan, factional, and sectarian quotas.
Political analysts suggest the move may be an attempt to shield the agency from political infighting. Under existing power-sharing agreements, the leadership post had reportedly been earmarked for a Sunni Arab, though no such appointment had been made. Since 2003, the agency has been predominantly led by officials affiliated with Shi’ite political parties. Al-Zaidi has pledged to modernize the agency with the latest scientific and technical methods to protect national stability amidst regional tensions.
Entities
Ali al-Zaidi · Hamid Al-Shatri · Hamid Rashid Faleh al-Shatri · Iraq · Mohammed Shia al-Sudani · National Intelligence Service
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 2 SOURCES] Political sources indicated the intelligence agency post had been earmarked for Sunni Arabs under government agreements. www.europesays.com · www.arabnews.jp
- [● 3 SOURCES] Ali Al-Zaidi stated the intelligence agency should be free from partisan, factional, and sectarian quotas. www.europesays.com · okaznews.net · royanews.tv
- [● 3 SOURCES] Hamid Al-Shatri was originally appointed to the role in December 2024 by former Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani. www.europesays.com · okaznews.net · royanews.tv
- [● 3 SOURCES] Prime Minister Ali Al-Zaidi has assumed direct leadership of Iraq’s National Intelligence Service. www.europesays.com · okaznews.net · royanews.tv
- [● 2 SOURCES] Hamid Al-Shatri was dismissed from his position as head of the intelligence agency on Monday, October 27, 2026. okaznews.net · royanews.tv
- [● 3 SOURCES] The government stated the dismissal is part of efforts to consolidate sovereignty and confront regional challenges. www.europesays.com · okaznews.net · royanews.tv