Baghdad (AFP) – Iraqi lawmakers approved a new government on Thursday led by Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi, who vowed to ensure a state monopoly on weapons amid growing US pressure to dismantle Tehran-backed groups.
Issued on: 14/05/2026 - 21:34
Iraq has long walked a tightrope between the competing influences of its allies, neighbouring Iran and the United States.
Iraq's parliament voted in favour of Zaidi's government and programme, just a few weeks after he was designated following months of political deadlock.
Zaidi's programme includes "reforming the security apparatus by restricting weapons to state control and strengthening the capabilities of the security forces", state news agency INA quoted the parliament media office as saying.
