Iraq's parliament completes the cabinet, including a deputy prime minister under US sanctions

Cabinet posts approved

11 posts

Lawmakers approved 11 posts late Thursday, five months after Prime Minister Ali Al Zaidi took office, among them Defence Minister Nayef Al Shammari and Interior Minister Yasir Al Maliki.

Laith Al Khazali, one of three deputy prime ministers, is the brother of the leader of the Iran-backed Asaib Ahl Al Haq militia, which the US designated a terrorist organization in 2020; both brothers are under US sanctions.

Background

Yasir Al Maliki is the son-in-law of former prime minister Nouri Al Maliki, known for his strong ties to Iran.

The government's pledges

• Economic reforms
• Anti-corruption measures
• Stronger state institutions

Al Zaidi said the full cabinet marks the start of "accelerated, diligent work" and promised economic reforms, anti-corruption measures and stronger state institutions.