Iraq's parliament on Thursday approved the remainder of Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi's cabinet, completing the formation of a government that took office five months ago with several key positions, lawmakers said.
Speaker of Iraq's Parliament Haibat al-Halbousi welcomes Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi at the parliament building ahead of a session to approve the remaining members of his cabinet, in Baghdad, Iraq, October 15, 2026. Iraqi Prime Minister's Media Office
Iraq's parliament on Thursday approved the remainder of Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi's cabinet, completing the formation of a government that took office five months ago with several key positions, lawmakers said.
Lawmakers approved 11 portfolios, including Nayef al-Shammari as defence minister and Yasir al-Maliki as interior minister
Positions had been vacant since Zaidi's government took office in May
Parliament postponed votes on the nominee for migration and displacement minister due to disagreement among parties, lawmakers said
Lawmakers also approved three deputy prime ministers, including Laith al-Khazali, a senior leader of the Iran-backed Asaib Ahl al-Haq movement
The US in 2020 designated Asaib Ahl al-Haq as a foreign terrorist organisation and its leaders, brothers Qais al-Khazali and Laith al-Khazali, as specially designated global terrorists
The US has accused the group of carrying out attacks against US and coalition forces in Iraq
Zaidi's government programme pledged economic reforms, anti-corruption measures and efforts to strengthen state institutions
But it faces significant challenges, including rebuilding an economy hit by regional instability, tackling endemic corruption, and bringing Iran-allied armed groups under greater state control.
Reporting by Ahmed Rasheed and Muayad Hameed
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