Iraqi Prime Minister Al-Zaidi has reportedly put the Jurf al-Sakhar operation on hold "temporarily" while Framework leaders seek an agreement with the factions.

Sources cited by Al Arabiya and Al Hadath said the talks are intended to allow Defense and Interior Ministry forces to enter without a clash. The forces reportedly remain on combat readiness in case the negotiations fail.

The reported plan was to surround the area, stop oil smuggling and end the factions' presence there. No official statement has been issued.

The report follows an earlier post saying Al-Zaidi had ordered an investigation into fuel siphoning in Jurf al-Sakhar, a closed-off area south of Baghdad described as a major stronghold of the IRGC-backed Kataib Hezballah.