Trump Approves of New Iraq PM Pick     05/01 06:13

   

   BAGHDAD (AP) -- U.S. President Donald Trump called Iraq's new prime 
minister-designate Thursday and extended an invitation for him to visit 
Washington once he has successfully formed a government, the Iraqi prime 
minister's office said in a statement.

   Trump then posted on his social media platform Truth Social congratulating 
Ali al-Zaidi and wishing him "success as he works to form a new Government free 
from terrorism that could deliver a brighter future for Iraq."

   "We look forward to a strong, vibrant, and highly productive new 
relationship between Iraq and the United States," the post said. "This is the 
beginning of a tremendous new chapter between our Nations -- Prosperity, 
Stability, and Success like never seen before."

   The call and post signal that Washington has given its blessing to al-Zaidi, 
a businessman and political newcomer, after Trump had announced his disapproval 
of a previous leading candidate for the post.

   Iraq's dominant parliamentary bloc, the Coordination Framework -- a 
coalition of Shiite parties allied with Iran -- on Monday nominated al-Zaidi to 
be the country's prime minister after weeks of internal debate among its member 
parties.

   The coalition had previously said it would back former Prime Minister Nouri 
al-Maliki, who the U.S. administration views as too close to Iran. Trump 
publicly announced his opposition to al-Maliki and threatened to cut off aid to 
Iraq if he was appointed.

   While al-Maliki remained defiant after Trump's intervention, the bloc 
decided to shift to a compromise candidate.

   Al-Zaidi, who is chairman of Al-Janoob Islamic Bank, emerged in the final 
stages of discussions as one of the leading candidates -- bolstered by his 
economic background and business and investment connections. He hasn't 
previously held political office.

   In 2024, Al-Janoob was one of a number of banks that were banned by Iraq's 
central bank from dealing in dollars amid pressure from the U.S. to crack down 
on money laundering and funneling of funds to Iran. However, neither the bank 
nor al-Zaidi are under U.S. sanctions.

   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.

   Under the constitution, the designated prime minister has 30 days to present 
a Cabinet lineup to the parliament, which requires 167 votes to secure a vote 
of confidence.

   The next government will have to deal with the political and economic 
fallout of the Iran war, which spilled over into Iraq, while the closure of the 
Strait of Hormuz has disrupted the oil exports on which Iraq's economy depends.