Trump envoy proposes Italy replace Iran at 2026 World Cup
Paolo Zampolli, a U.S. special envoy, suggested to Trump and FIFA that Italy substitute for Iran in the tournament starting in June.
President Nizar Amedi tasked al-Zaidi, the Coordination Framework's candidate, with forming a government following his nomination Monday.
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Iraq's President Nizar Amedi named Ali al-Zaidi as prime minister-designate on Monday and tasked him with forming a government, according to Al Jazeera's correspondent in Iraq.
Al-Zaidi was selected as the candidate of the Coordination Framework, a coalition of Shia parties that holds a majority in parliament. His nomination represents a promotion over a pro-Iranian rival within the political landscape.
The designation follows parliamentary procedures in which the largest bloc nominates a candidate for the premiership, which the president then formally appoints as prime minister-designate. Al-Zaidi now faces the responsibility of assembling a cabinet and securing parliamentary approval for his government formation.
Paolo Zampolli, a U.S. special envoy, suggested to Trump and FIFA that Italy substitute for Iran in the tournament starting in June.
President Trump canceled plans to send envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner to Islamabad for ceasefire negotiations with Iran, citing wasted time and internal Iranian confusion.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in St. Petersburg on Monday to discuss Middle East peace efforts.
The administration is negotiating to relocate Afghan interpreters and military families, including over 400 children, from Qatar to the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy told CNN that peace efforts on Ukraine cannot wait for the Iran conflict to end, citing distraction from Russian aggression.