Zaidi was formally tasked on Monday with forming a cabinet within 30 days, after Iraq’s dominant parliamentary bloc abandoned former prime minister Nouri Al-Maliki following reported U.S. opposition to his return.Five months after parliamentary elections, Iraq remains without a new administration as rival factions continue to compete over leadership positions and ministerial control in a system shaped by sectarian and political power-sharing.

The Coordination Framework, the largest bloc in parliament and an alliance of Shiite factions with varying ties to Iran, had initially backed Maliki, a two-time former premier known for his close relations with Tehran.His candidacy, however, collapsed after what officials described as strong pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump, who reportedly issued an ultimatum opposing Maliki’s return to office.

The bloc has since shifted support to Zaidi and publicly thanked Maliki for stepping aside.Iraq’s state-run INA news agency reported that the Coordination Framework would meet Zaidi on Tuesday to begin talks over cabinet formation and the allocation of ministerial portfolios.Zaidi said he intended to work “with all political forces,” according to INA.

At 40, Zaidi is viewed as a compromise candidate with limited political baggage. He is a businessman, owner of a television channel and a former head of an Iraqi bank that had been barred from conducting U.S. dollar transactions under American anti-money laundering restrictions.He has never previously held a government post.

If he succeeds in forming a government, Zaidi will replace Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani, whose hopes of securing a second term weakened after he failed to prevent Iran-backed armed groups from targeting U.S. interests during the recent Middle East war.

A political source told AFP that the Coordination Framework endorsed Zaidi only after consulting U.S. representatives to gauge Washington’s acceptance.Victoria J. Taylor, director of the Iraq Initiative at the Atlantic Council and a former U.S. deputy assistant secretary for Iraq, said the bloc was unlikely to have advanced Zaidi’s nomination without some confidence that the United States would not object.

“The framework would not have nominated him without some sense that the U.S. would accept his nomination,” she wrote on X.She added that Trump’s public rejection of Maliki had been politically damaging and the alliance was keen to avoid another confrontation with Washington.

Zaidi’s nomination also came 10 days after a senior Iranian commander visited Iraq and held meetings with political leaders, underlining Baghdad’s continued balancing act between Tehran and Washington more than two decades after the 2003 U.S.-led invasion.

The announcement came after internal consultations within the Coordination Framework, the parliamentary bloc that currently holds a majority of seats.

The alliance said it selected Al-Maliki by majority vote, describing him as the nominee of the largest bloc in parliament.

The statement highlighted his long political career and administrative experience, pointing to his previous leadership of the Iraqi state during a turbulent period.

Al-Maliki, who is 75, remains one of the most influential figures in Iraq’s post 2003 political landscape.

He previously served two consecutive terms as prime minister from 2006 to 2014, making him the only Iraqi leader to do so since the fall of Saddam Hussein.

His tenure coincided with some of the country’s most challenging years, marked by insurgency, sectarian violence and the rebuilding of state institutions.

Supporters argue that this experience positions him as a figure capable of navigating Iraq’s complex political and security environment.

The Coordination Framework is a coalition of Shiite parties, some of which maintain close ties with Iran, while others emphasize Iraqi nationalism.

Despite internal differences, the bloc united behind Al-Maliki after weeks of negotiations following the November general election.

In Iraq’s power sharing system, the role of prime minister traditionally goes to a Shiite Muslim, while the speaker of parliament is Sunni and the presidency is held by a Kurd.

This arrangement has shaped the current talks between Shiite, Sunni and Kurdish factions over the formation of the next government.

Parliament has already taken a key step by electing a speaker last month.’

The next stage is the election of a new president, who will then formally task a prime minister nominee with forming a government.

Al-Maliki’s nomination sets the stage for intense political bargaining in the coming weeks.

He would be expected to secure enough support from rival blocs and independent lawmakers to win a confidence vote in parliament.

The former prime minister leads the State of Law Coalition, one of the most organized and influential groups within the Shiite political camp.

His leadership style is seen by allies as firm and decisive, though critics describe it as centralized and confrontational.

Al-Maliki’s political career has also been marked by controversy. During and after his time in office, he faced accusations of corruption, mismanagement and policies that deepened sectarian divisions.

He was also criticized for failing to prevent the rapid advance of the Daesh group in 2014, which ultimately led to his departure from office.
Despite these criticisms, he has managed to retain significant influence through party networks and parliamentary alliances.

The outgoing prime minister, Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani, is expected to remain in a caretaker role until a new government is formed. His tenure has focused on economic stabilization and balancing relations with regional and international partners.

Al-Maliki’s potential return to power could signal a shift in priorities. Observers say it may strengthen the role of established political elites and reshape Iraq’s relations with neighboring countries.

For many Iraqis, the nomination has revived debates about political renewal versus continuity. Some citizens express concern about returning to figures associated with past instability, while others prioritize experience over change.

Security, economic reform and public services remain among the top challenges facing the next government. Any prime minister will also have to manage public frustration over corruption and unemployment.

The Coordination Framework has emphasized unity and stability as reasons for backing Al-Maliki. Its leaders argue that internal cohesion within the majority bloc is essential to avoid prolonged political paralysis.

As negotiations continue, Iraq stands at another critical juncture in its democratic process. Whether Al-Maliki ultimately returns to the premiership will depend on his ability to build consensus beyond his core supporters.