On May 15, 2026, the Iraqi parliament approved Ali al-Zaidi as the new prime minister. His appointment comes at a critical time as the country navigates complex security challenges.
In his inaugural address, al-Zaidi emphasized the need for a state monopoly on weapons, a move that reflects ongoing concerns about the influence of Iran-backed groups within Iraq.
The United States is reportedly urging Baghdad to take decisive action against these groups, highlighting the delicate balance the new government must maintain between internal security and external pressures.