Trump gives his blessing to Iraq's new pick for prime minister and invites al-Zaidi to Washington
U.S. President Donald Trump has endorsed Ali al-Zaidi as Iraq's new prime minister-designate and invited him to Washington once a government is formed. Al-Zaidi, a political newcomer and chairman of Al-Janoob Islamic Bank, was nominated by Iraq's Iran-aligned Coordination Framework coalition after internal deliberations and U.S. opposition to a previous candidate. The incoming Iraqi government will face significant challenges, including economic strain from regional conflict and disrupted oil exports due to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
- ▪Donald Trump called Ali al-Zaidi to congratulate him and invited him to Washington after forming a government.
- ▪Trump previously opposed Nouri al-Maliki's candidacy, citing concerns over his ties to Iran, and threatened to cut aid if he were appointed.
- ▪Ali al-Zaidi is a businessman and chairman of Al-Janoob Islamic Bank, with no prior political experience.
- ▪Al-Janoob Islamic Bank was banned from dollar transactions in 2024 due to U.S. pressure over money laundering and Iran-related financial flows.
- ▪Iraq's new government will need to address economic instability caused by the Iran war and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
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Middle EastTrump gives his blessing to Iraq's new pick for prime minister and invites al-Zaidi to WashingtonIraq’s dominant parliamentary bloc — a coalition of Shiite parties allied with Iran — on Monday nominated Ali al-Zaidi to be the country’s prime minister after weeks of internal debate among its member parties.Listen to this article with a free account00:0000:00Iraqi Prime Minister-designate Ali al-Zaidi in Baghdad, Iraq, on Monday. Iraqi Presidency Office / APShareAdd NBC News to GoogleApril 30, 2026, 4:37 PM EDTBy The Associated PressBAGHDAD — U.S.
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