Overview
- Ali al-Zaidi, chosen by the Shiite Coordination Framework on Monday, was tasked by President Nizar Amedi to form a government within 30 days.
- Parliament must confirm his cabinet with at least 167 votes, and the Coordination Framework controls about 185 of the 329 seats.
- His selection broke a months-long standoff after President Donald Trump opposed Nouri al-Maliki’s return and warned he would cut U.S. support if Maliki became premier.
- Al-Zaidi is a political newcomer who leads a large holding group and previously chaired Al-Janoob Islamic Bank, which Iraq’s central bank barred from U.S. dollar transactions in 2024 over money-laundering concerns.
- He faces U.S. pressure to curb Iran-aligned militias and a revenue squeeze from Hormuz export disruptions, with oil providing about 90% of Iraq’s budget.