Zaidi meets Amiri, Hakim and Maliki in first round of coalition consultations

BAGHDAD — Prime Minister-designate Ali al-Zaidi held a series of meetings Wednesday with senior Coordination Framework leaders, including Badr Organization Secretary-General Hadi al-Amiri, Hikma Movement leader Ammar al-Hakim and State of Law Coalition leader Nouri al-Maliki, as he begins consultations to form a new government.

All three meetings stressed the importance of cooperation among political forces and the need to expedite formation of a national government. Maliki expressed support for “his efforts to form a government that represents all Iraqis, works to achieve the public interest, and enhances security and stability in the country.”

The Coordination Framework nominated Zaidi Monday evening, ending a deadlock that had persisted since the November 2025 parliamentary elections. He has 30 days to form a cabinet and secure parliamentary approval.