Ali al‑Zaidi Sworn In as Iraq Prime Minister with Partial Cabinet

Iraq’s parliament granted confidence to Prime Minister Ali al‑Zaidi’s government, swearing him in along with 14 newly approved ministers. The cabinet remains incomplete, with key portfolios such as interior and defence still under negotiation.

Al‑Zaidi, 40, is the country’s youngest prime minister and comes from a business and academic background rather than prior political office. He will inherit pressing challenges, including disarming Iran‑backed militias, tackling entrenched corruption and managing Iraq’s relations with both Washington and Tehran. The formation of his government ends a months‑long deadlock that saw U.S. President Donald Trump oppose rival candidate Nouri al‑Maliki.

Basim Mohammed was appointed oil minister and Fuad Hussein retained the foreign‑minister post. Al‑Zaidi has yet to publish his full governmental programme.