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Iraqi president names Shia bloc candidate Ali al-Zaidi as PM-designate
DEVELOPING STORY, Choice of al-Zaidi breaks a months-long deadlock after US President Trump opposed appointment of pro-Iran former PM al-Maliki.Iraq’s President Nizar Amedi has named Ali al-Zaidi as prime minister-designate and tasked him with forming a government, Al Jazeera’s correspondent in Iraq has reported.Al-Zaidi was named earlier on Monday as the candidate of the Coordination Framework, a coalition of Shia parties that has a majority in parliament. His nomination sees him promoted over a pro-Iranian rival.Recommended Stories list of 3 itemslist 1 of 3‘Clearly stronger’: Germany’s Merz says Iran ‘humiliated’ US in its warlist 2 of 3Timeline: The highs and lows of the US-UK ‘special relationship’list 3 of 3NPT summit: Can nuclear pact survive US-Israel war on Iran?end of list“After considering the names of the candidates, Ali al-Zaidi was chosen to be the candidate of the Coordination Framework bloc, as the largest bloc in the House of Representatives, to occupy the position of prime minister and form the next government,” a Coordination Framework statement read after a meeting in Baghdad.The selection of al-Zaidi breaks a months-long deadlock in which United States President Donald Trump had intervened, after former two-time Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki had emerged as the coalition’s initial candidate.Al-Maliki, who is close to Iran, was fiercely opposed by Trump. The US president warned that all support to Iraq would stop if he became prime minister.However, the Coordination Framework said that al-Maliki and outgoing Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani had withdrawn their candidacies.In a statement announcing al-Zaidi’s nomination, the coalition thanked al-Maliki and al-Sudani for their “historic and responsible positions” in withdrawing their candidacies to help overcome the political deadlock. Al-Sudani issued a statement congratulating al-Zaidi.Al-Zaidi, who is chairman of Al-Janoob Islamic Bank, emerged in the final stages of discussions as a leading candidate, bolstered by his economic background and connections in the business and investment sectors. He has not previously held political office.Al-Zaidi promised to focus on making Iraq “a balanced country, regionally and internationally” following his nomination.“This appointment comes at a sensitive time that requires concerted efforts from all political and social forces,” he said.Under the constitution, the designated prime minister has 30 days to present a cabinet to parliament, with...
Iraq President Names Ali al-Zaidi As PM-Designate Amid US Pressure
Show Quick Read Key points generated by AI, verified by newsroom President nominated businessman Ali al-Zaidi as prime minister-designate. US pressure influenced political leaders to support Zaidi over Maliki. Zaidi, a 40-year-old businessman, faces 30 days to form government. New PM must address disarming militias and Gulf nation relations. Iraq’s newly elected president Nizar Amedi has nominated businessman Ali al-Zaidi as prime minister-designate, marking a significant shift in the country’s political trajectory following prolonged negotiations and pressure from the US. The move comes after Iraqi political leaders stepped back from supporting former prime minister Nouri al-Maliki, who was initially backed by the Iran-linked Coordination Framework alliance. US Pressure Alters Political Course The decision follows weeks of intense deliberations among Iraq’s political factions. The impasse was influenced by warnings from US President Donald Trump, who had earlier threatened to withdraw support if Maliki, known for his close ties to Iran, returned to power. The Coordination Framework, a coalition of Shia factions with varying degrees of alignment with Tehran, ultimately shifted its support to Zaidi. In an official statement, the presidency confirmed, "President Nizar Amede has tasked Ali al-Zaidi, the candidate of the largest parliamentary bloc, with forming the new government." ALSO READ: ‘Tehran Considering Trump’s Request For Negotiations’: Iran FM After Meeting Putin Transition And Political Backing Zaidi now faces a 30-day deadline to form a government, a process often complicated in Iraq’s fragmented political system where constitutional timelines are frequently exceeded. The announcement followed the Coordination Framework’s endorsement of Zaidi. The alliance also commended "the historic and responsible stance" of both Maliki and caretaker Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani for stepping aside. Yasser al-Maliki, head of Maliki’s parliamentary bloc, expressed support for the incoming nominee, stating, "we will support him" in forming the next government. Since the 2003 US-led invasion that toppled Saddam Hussein, Iraq has remained a geopolitical arena influenced by both Washington and Tehran. While the United States has maintained significant influence, Iran has also strengthened its presence through allied political and militia groups. Iraq’s leadership has since faced the ongoing challenge of maintaining equilibrium between the two rival powers. ...
Iraqi President Nominates Ali Al-Zaidi as PM-Designate
Iraq's newly elected president nominated businessman Ali al-Zaidi as the country's prime minister-designate on Monday, after the country's leaders yielded to US pressure not to support the bid of a former premier close to Iran. The Coordination Framework, an alliance of Shiite factions with varying links to Iran, had initially backed powerbroker Nouri al-Maliki to become the country's next ...
Iraqi president nominates Ali al-Zaidi as PM-designate
Iraq's newly elected president nominated businessman Ali al-Zaidi as the country's prime minister-designate on Monday, after he was endorsed by the country's main Shia alliance.
