BAGHDAD: The US embassy in Baghdad congratulated Iraq’s new prime minister-designate Ali al Zaidi on Wednesday, after Washington’s interference scuppered the chances of former candidate Nouri al Maliki.

“The US Mission in Iraq extends its best wishes to Prime Minister-designate Ali al Zaidi as he works to form a government capable of fulfilling the hopes of all Iraqis for a brighter and more peaceful future,” the embassy posted on X.

“We stand in solidarity with the Iraqi people aspiring to the shared objectives of safeguarding Iraq’s sovereignty, promoting security free from terrorism,” it added.

Five months on from legislative elections, Iraq’s President Nizar Amede nominated businessman Zaidi as prime minister-designate on Monday, giving him the daunting task of putting a cabinet together in 30 days amid fierce political wrangling.

The nomination came after months of deadlock during which US President Donald Trump threatened to cut all support for Iraq if two-time former premier Maliki returned to office.

The Coordination Framework, the majority bloc in parliament and an alliance of Shia groups with varying ties to Iran, had backed Maliki but then yielded to the US pressure.

After intense talks, it endorsed Zaidi on Monday, paving the way for his nomination to form a government, while Maliki was forced to drop out.

A political source said the framework backed Zaidi “after checking” with US representatives.

Following the 2003 invasion of Iraq that overthrew Saddam Hussein, the US has held major sway in the country. But the invasion also paved the way for Iran to build its influence.

Iraq’s new premier will be expected to address Washington’s long-standing demand that Baghdad disarm “Iran-backed groups”.

Published in Dawn, April 30th, 2026