According to the official Iraqi News Agency, lawmakers granted parliamentary confidence to 14 ministers during the session, after which al-Zaydi and the approved ministers took the constitutional oath and officially assumed office.

Among the key appointments, Basim Mohammed was named Iraq’s new oil minister, while Fuad Hussein retained his position as foreign minister in the newly formed cabinet.

Despite the breakthrough, parliament failed to finalize several major portfolios, including the interior and defense ministries. Iraqi MP Muqdad al-Khafaji stated that nine ministries remain unresolved, with three nominees failing to secure parliamentary confidence during Thursday’s session.

Al-Zaydi was formally tasked with forming a government on April 27 by Iraqi President Nizar Amidi, who gave him 30 days to assemble a cabinet capable of addressing the country’s political and economic challenges.

In remarks following the oath-taking ceremony, al-Zaydi pledged to pursue reforms and confront corruption, describing it as a key priority of his administration.

“We are moving forward with determination to achieve the aspirations of our people,” he said. “The path of reform begins from within through confronting corruption.”

The new prime minister also stressed the importance of strengthening state authority and reforming Iraq’s security system by ensuring weapons remain exclusively under government control, while enhancing public confidence in democratic institutions.

“Iraq, with its civilizational depth, human and cultural diversity, and the role represented by the supreme religious authority, qualifies us to stand firm and restore the government’s position,” al-Zaydi stated.

Al-Zaydi, a businessman and head of the National Holding Company, entered politics after emerging as a compromise candidate within Iraq’s Coordination Framework alliance. His nomination followed months of disputes among Shiite political factions after the November 2025 elections.

Political analysts say his appointment came amid both internal negotiations and international pressure, particularly from Washington, which reportedly pushed Iraqi factions to back a figure viewed as more acceptable to Western partners.

Since his designation, al-Zaydi has presented a government programme focused on improving public services, tackling corruption, managing economic risks, and positioning Iraq as a balanced regional actor amid growing tensions across the Middle East.

The new administration now faces major challenges, including economic reform, security stabilization, unresolved militia influence, energy management, and balancing relations between regional powers and the United States. (ILKHA)