Kadhimi returns to Baghdad seeking political comeback

Former Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kadhimi has returned to Baghdad for the first time since leaving office in October 2022. His return signals an expected attempt to compete in the forthcoming national elections.

One picture was released following his arrival, though Kadhimi has not yet issued a statement. Since leaving office, he has largely remained out of the public spotlight, spending most of his time between London and Abu Dhabi. His departure was marred by major controversies, including the fallout from the "Heist of the Century." Several of Kadhimi’s inner circle were implicated in corruption, with arrest warrants issued mostly in absentia. Among those convicted was the former head of operations at the Iraqi National Intelligence Service, accused of oil smuggling.

Although Kadhimi was never formally investigated, concerns persisted that his return to Iraq might result in his arrest or jeopardize his security. Over the past two years, he has actively sought guarantees for his safety.

Kadhimi remained entirely out of the public spotlight until February 2022, when he was pictured meeting senior Iranian officials in Tehran, including former Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian. Reports suggested he was seeking Iranian leverage to halt ongoing investigations into his role in the tax heist.