Full Breakdown
Iraq Parliament Completes Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi’s Cabinet, Appoints Sanctioned Deputy Prime Minister
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Cabinet Completion Ends Prolonged Vacancy
On October 15, 2026, the Iraqi parliament approved eleven ministerial portfolios and three deputy prime ministers, leaving only the Ministry of Migration and Displaced Persons vacant. The vote, attended by 261 lawmakers, ended a five-month stalemate that began when Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi formed his government in May 2026.
Key Appointments and New Portfolios
- Defence Minister: Nayef al-Shammari
- Interior Minister: Yasir al-Maliki
- Planning Minister: Qutaiba Ghazi
- Higher Education and Scientific Research Minister: Haider Bahaa al-Husseini
- Culture Minister: Yassin al-Eithawi
- Construction, Housing and Municipalities Minister: Rebaz Hamlan
- Labour and Social Affairs Minister: Mohammed al-Mousawi
- Youth and Sports Minister: Safaa al-Kinani
- Digital Economy, Governance, Science and Technology Minister: Mohammed Sahib al-Darraji (new)
- Tourism Minister: Ali al-Dakhili (separated from Culture, Tourism and Antiquities)
- State Minister for Minority Affairs: Mohammed Samaan (new)
Deputy prime ministers approved were Laith al-Khazali, Mohsen al-Mandalawi, and Mohammed Ali Tamim. Laith al-Khazali, brother of Asaib Ahl al-Haq (AAH) leader Qais al-Khazali, is on the U.S. Treasury’s sanctions list.
Economic and Security Context
Prime Minister al-Zaidi said the regional conflict that began on February 28 has created “extraordinary economic challenges” for Iraq. He noted public debt exceeding 208 trillion dinars (? $139 billion) and monthly spending needs of about 10 trillion dinars (? $6.7 billion). To ease liquidity pressures, the government devalued the dinar by nearly 15 % against the U.S. dollar.
Official Statements & Responses
- The prime minister’s office pledged an “accelerated, diligent” work programme, emphasizing anti-corruption measures, disarmament of non-state armed groups, and completion of the U.S. forces withdrawal.
- AAH political wing Sadiqoun said al-Zaidi had tried in September to ease U.S. objections to Laith al-Khazali and hoped the deputy could be removed from the sanctions list.
- The United States continues to list Asaib Ahl al-Haq as a Foreign Terrorist Organization and the Khazali brothers as “specially designated global terrorists.”
Criticism & Opposition
Legal scholar Hiyam al-Yasiri questioned the constitutional basis for creating four deputy prime minister positions, citing potential conflict with Article 139 of the Iraqi Constitution.
Verbatim Quotes
- “He is no better than ISIS, maybe even worse. It is outrageous but sadly not shocking that he has been appointed deputy PM of Iraq,” — Mr Wilson
What’s Next
Parliament postponed the vote on the Ministry of Migration and Displaced Persons after parties failed to agree on a nominee. The vacancy remains unresolved, and further sessions will address the appointment. U.S. officials have warned that additional sanctions could follow if pro-Iran figures continue to hold senior posts.