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.
The parliament in Baghdad voted in favour of al-Zaidi's government and programme just a few weeks after he was designated Iraq's youngest prime minister at 40, following months of political deadlock.
Al-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.
Following his nomination, al-Zaidi promised to focus on making Iraq “a balanced country, regionally and internationally.”
“This appointment comes at a sensitive time that requires concerted efforts from all political and social forces,” he said.
