Iraq parliament appoints US-sanctioned deputy prime minister

Iraq's parliament has voted to fill several vacant Cabinet positions, completing the country's government. Among the appointments is Laith al-Khazali, who has been named deputy prime minister despite being under United States sanctions.

Al-Khazali is the brother of Qais al-Khazali, the leader of the Iran-backed Asaib Ahl al-Haq militia. The U.S. Treasury Department imposed sanctions on Laith al-Khazali in 2019, citing his leadership role in the militia and allegations of human rights abuses. He was previously arrested by U.S. forces in 2007 following an attack in Karbala that killed five American soldiers.

The appointment of a sanctioned individual to a senior government role may impact diplomatic relations between Baghdad and Washington. While Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi maintains strong ties with the U.S., he also seeks to manage relations with Iran. The parliament also appointed two other deputy prime ministers and several ministers, including the interior, defense, planning, higher education, and culture ministers.