Parliament approves al-Zaidi's government after weeks of political negotiations, though key ministerial posts remain unfilled.
11:36 PM
Ali al-Zaidi has formally assumed office as Iraq's Prime Minister after the Council of Representatives granted confidence to his government on Thursday, according to the official Iraqi News Agency.
Al-Zaidi and other ministers who secured parliamentary approval took the constitutional oath of office, formally assuming their duties. However, the cabinet remains incomplete, with lawmakers failing to reach consensus on several key positions, including the interior and defence ministries.
The Coordination Framework, Iraq's dominant parliamentary bloc comprising Shia parties aligned with Iran, nominated al-Zaidi on April 27 as a compromise candidate following weeks of internal debate among member parties. President Nizar Amedi subsequently tasked him with forming a government.
Al-Zaidi, a multimillionaire businessman and political newcomer, was selected over former Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, who had initially received backing from the Coordination Framework. The shift in the bloc's position reflected international pressure, particularly from the United States. President Donald Trump publicly opposed al-Maliki's nomination and threatened to cut off all aid to Iraq if he were appointed, citing concerns about an openly pro-Iran premier amid continuing attacks by pro-Iran Iraqi militias on U.S. assets in the country and the region.
Iran's Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi congratulated al-Zaidi on his nomination in early May, stating that Iran reaffirms its respect for Iraq's sovereignty and its support for political stability, development, and strengthening of cooperation.
President Nizar Amedi tasked al-Zaidi, the Coordination Framework's candidate, with forming a government following his nomination Monday.
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