Iraq Parliament Approves Partial Government of Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi

Iraq's parliament approved the government of Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi on Thursday, formally ending months of political stagnation that followed national elections in November. Zaidi and 14 ministers took the constitutional oath of office after lawmakers granted confidence to the partial cabinet and its programme, the prime minister's media office said.

Parliament approved only 14 of the 23 planned ministerial positions, failing to reach agreement on several key posts including interior and defence. Basim Mohammed was appointed oil minister while Fuad Hussein was retained as foreign minister, lawmakers told Reuters.

Khalid Shawani remained justice minister and Muthanna Ali Mahdi al-Tamimi was named water resources minister, according to local media reports. The prime minister presented his government programme during the closed session but has not yet released it publicly.

Zaidi arrived at parliament in the late afternoon Baghdad time to present his cabinet lineup and took the oath after receiving legislative approval.

40, Zaidi becomes Iraq's youngest prime minister. He was designated on April 27 by President Nizar Amedi after nomination by the Coordination Framework, the largest Shiite political alliance in parliament. Unlike predecessors, Zaidi has no background in political office or public administration.

Born in Baghdad to a family from Dhi Qar province, he built a career in business and academia, earning degrees in law, finance and banking. He owns stakes in the Al-Janoob Islamic Bank and the Taawon Hypermarket chain. The new government must address disarming Iran-backed militias, many of which operate within the Popular Mobilization Units formed to fight Islamic State in 2014.

Officials have also identified tackling entrenched corruption and balancing ties between Washington and Tehran as immediate priorities.

President Donald Trump had intervened in the process, warning that all American support for Iraq would cease if Nouri al-Maliki, who is close to Iran, returned as prime minister. Al-Maliki had initially been the Coordination Framework's candidate. Trump later praised Zaidi's nomination as the beginning of a new chapter in bilateral relations.

Iranian officials also congratulated Zaidi in early May. The businessman was viewed as a neutral figure acceptable to both powers in Iraq's polarised political landscape. The post-election parliament was originally expected to elect a president and designate a prime minister by Jan.

29 but only chose Amedi on April 11 amid disputes between Kurdish parties. Zaidi received support from key figures in the Coordination Framework including former Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani. Negotiations continue over the remaining portfolios as political parties seek agreement on sensitive security positions.

The interior and defence ministries remain vacant for now. Lawmakers did not broadcast the session live. Zaidi's lack of political history has been described by some as an asset, allowing him to enter office without entrenched factional baggage. Baghdad faces pressure to integrate or disarm these factions into formal state structures.