Key facts
- 11 portfolios were approved, including defense and interior ministers.
- Three deputy prime ministers were approved.
- Votes on the migration and displacement minister nominee were postponed.
- Laith al-Khazali, a leader of the US-designated terrorist group Asaib Ahl al-Haq, was approved as a deputy prime minister.
Iraq's parliament on Thursday approved the remaining cabinet posts and three deputy prime ministers, completing the formation of Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi's government, which took office in May. Lawmakers approved 11 portfolios, including Nayef al-Shammari as defense minister and Yasir al-Maliki as interior minister. Laith al-Khazali, a senior leader of the Iran-backed Asaib Ahl al-Haq movement, was among those approved as deputy prime minister. The US designated Asaib Ahl al-Haq as a foreign terrorist organization in 2020 and accused its leaders of attacks against US and coalition forces in Iraq. Votes on the nominee for migration and displacement minister were postponed due to party disagreements. Zaidi's government has pledged economic reforms and anti-corruption measures but faces challenges including rebuilding the economy and controlling armed groups.