Sudani appoints himself defense minister after Abbasi takes parliamentary seat

BAGHDAD — Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani has appointed himself as Iraq’s acting defense minister following the swearing-in of Thabet Abbasi as a member of parliament, according to an official order issued by the Prime Minister’s Office.

Abbasi, who had been serving as defense minister, vacated the post upon taking his parliamentary seat. Under Iraqi law, the prime minister — who also serves as commander-in-chief of the armed forces — may temporarily manage ministerial portfolios. No timeline has been announced for appointing a permanent replacement.

The order, dated Jan. 28 and signed by Sudani, cancels a previous diwani order and states that Sudani will “assume the management of the Ministry of Defense in addition to our duties.”

The move comes as Iraq faces heightened regional tensions following coordinated U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran and retaliatory missile and drone launches across the region.