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The U.S. Embassy in Baghdad congratulated Iraq’s new prime minister-designate, Ali al-Zaidi, on Wednesday, after his nomination followed months of political deadlock and U.S. pressure against the return of former premier Nouri al-Maliki.
“U.S. Mission 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 said in a post 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.
Iraq’s President Nizar Amede nominated Zaidi, a businessman, as prime minister-designate on Monday, five months after legislative elections.
Zaidi now faces the task of forming a cabinet within 30 days, as political factions continue negotiations after months of fierce wrangling.
His nomination came after a long deadlock during which U.S. President Donald Trump threatened to cut all support for Iraq if Maliki, a two-time former prime minister, returned to office.
The Coordination Framework, the majority bloc in Iraq’s parliament and an alliance of Shia groups with varying ties to Iran, had backed Maliki for the premiership.
The bloc later yielded to U.S. pressure. After intense talks, it endorsed Zaidi on Monday, clearing the way for his nomination to form a government, while Maliki was forced to withdraw.
A political source told AFP that the framework backed Zaidi “after checking” with U.S. representatives.
The U.S. has held major sway in Iraq since the 2003 invasion that overthrew former ruler Saddam Hussein. The invasion also allowed neighboring Iran to expand its influence in the country.
Since then, Iraq’s leaders have struggled to balance relations between Washington and Tehran.
Iraq’s new prime minister will be expected to address Washington’s longstanding demand that Baghdad disarm Iran-backed groups, which the U.S. designates as terrorist organizations.
During the Middle East war, which was ignited by a joint U.S.-Israeli attack on Iran, Iran-backed groups targeted U.S. interests in Iraq and across the region.
Zaidi’s nomination comes as Iraq faces pressure over government formation, regional tensions and competing influence from Washington and Tehran.
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