![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/iran\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/image-387136-1778777674.jpg\")
<\/p>\nIraq parliament approves new government in confidence vote<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
BAGHDAD, May 14, 2026 (BSS\/AFP) – Iraqi lawmakers approved a new government on Thursday led by businessman Ali al-Zaidi, who took office after months of\u00a0
\ndeadlock and mounting US pressure.<\/p>\n
“The Council of Representatives votes to grant confidence to the government of Prime Minister Ali Faleh Al-Zaidi and its ministerial programme,” the\u00a0
\nprime minister’s media office said.<\/p>\n
In Iraq, a government wins a confidence vote when parliament approves half plus one of its ministries.<\/p>\n
Zaidi’s government should include 23 ministers, but its line-up remains incomplete as key political parties continue to negotiate several portfolios.<\/p>\n
The INA state news agency said that an “absolute majority” of MPs approved 14 ministerial nominations that were put to vote.<\/p>\n
Zaidi presented his government programme during the parliament session — which was not broadcast live — but has yet to announce it publicly.<\/p>\n
Zaidi, Iraq’s youngest prime minister at the age of 40, was chosen to form the new government on April 27.<\/p>\n
His nomination followed months of deadlock after the United States, a key powerbroker in Iraqi politics, vetoed the previous frontrunner, former\u00a0
\npremier Nouri al-Maliki.<\/p>\n
He is backed by the Coordination Framework, a ruling alliance of powerful Shia groups with varying ties to Iran.<\/p>\n
Iraq has long walked a tightrope between the competing influences of its allies, neighbouring Iran and the United States.<\/p>\n
Iraq’s new cabinet will be expected to address Washington’s longstanding demand that Baghdad disarm Iran-backed groups, which the US designates as\u00a0
\nterrorist organisations.<\/p>\n
After the United States and Israel attacked Iran on February 28, those groups hit US facilities in Iraq more than 600 times before a ceasefire was\u00a0
\nannounced, according to a US official.<\/p>\n
Washington also struck their positions and bases, killing dozens of fighters.<\/p>\n
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