Iraq confirms new cabinet ministers including sanctioned deputy leader

Lawmakers in Iraq have voted to confirm nominees for several major ministerial positions, finalising the cabinet of Prime Minister Ali Al Zaidi five months after he took leadership of the government.

The parliamentary vote in Baghdad filled 11 vacant posts, among them the heads of the defence and interior ministries, according to a report by The National. Nayef Al Shammari was confirmed as defence minister, while Yasir Al Maliki secured approval as interior minister. Mr Al Maliki is the son-in-law of former prime minister Nouri Al Maliki and maintains close connections with Iran.

Following the late-night session, Mr Al Zaidi issued a statement saying the finalised cabinet would enable his administration to begin intensive efforts to execute its agenda. He noted that wider regional instability continues to present serious security and financial obstacles for the nation.

Among the most contentious decisions was the confirmation of Laith Al Khazali as one of three deputy prime ministers. Mr Al Khazali is subject to United States sanctions and is the brother of Qais Al Khazali, who commands the Iran-aligned Asaib Ahl Al Haq militia. Washington placed the armed faction on its list of foreign terrorist organisations in 2020 following assaults on coalition and American troops, designating both brothers as global terrorists. American troops previously detained Laith Al Khazali in 2007 in connection with a raid in Karbala that left five US service members dead.

The endorsement of Mr Al Khazali sparked prompt denunciation in Washington. US Republican Representative Joe Wilson condemned the development on social media, labelling him an operative for Tehran whose group targeted both American and Iraqi lives, and calling the appointment unacceptable.

Parliament also confirmed two additional deputy prime ministers: Muhsin Al Mandalawi, who leads the Asas Coalition, and Mohammed Ali Tamim from the Sunni-aligned Taqadum Party. However, political factions failed to reach consensus on a candidate to head the migration and displacement ministry, leading officials to delay that specific vote.

The presence of figures with direct ties to Tehran within the senior ranks of the executive branch is expected to test Baghdad's diplomatic standing with Washington. While Mr Al Zaidi has committed to enacting economic reforms, curbing widespread graft, and reinforcing public bodies, his administration faces the delicate challenge of asserting state authority over powerful Iran-backed armed factions amidst ongoing economic strain.