Iraq’s parliament approves the remaining posts in Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi’s cabinet, as well as three deputy prime ministers, completing a government formation that began about five months earlier. Among the approved deputy prime ministers is Laith al-Khazali, a senior figure in the Iran-backed Asaib Ahl al-Haq movement. The appointments also include Nayef al-Shammari as defence minister and Yasir al-Maliki as interior minister.
Multiple outlets note that some cabinet positions had been vacant since the government took office in May, with parliament postponing votes on at least one portfolio related to migration and displacement. The foreign policy and security angle centres on Khazali’s affiliation: the United States designated Asaib Ahl al-Haq as a “foreign terrorist organisation” in 2020 and has also targeted Qais al-Khazali and Laith al-Khazali with sanctions, citing past attacks and killings. Outlets also highlight that the government pledges economic reforms and anti-corruption measures, while facing challenges including stabilising the economy and addressing corruption and Iran-aligned armed groups.
