Iraq’s parliament has appointed ministers to several vacant Cabinet positions, completing the government formation process. The appointments include Laith al-Khazali as a deputy prime minister, despite US sanctions against him.
Al-Khazali is the brother of Qais al-Khazali, the leader of Asaib Ahl al-Haq (AAH), an Iran-backed armed faction. His appointment could complicate Iraq’s efforts to maintain relations with both Washington and Tehran.
Laith al-Khazali’s Background and US Sanctions
US forces arrested Laith al-Khazali in 2007 over allegations linked to an attack against American forces in Karbala in January of that year. The attack killed five US soldiers. He was released from US custody in June 2009.
In 2019, the US Treasury Department imposed sanctions on him. The department cited his leadership role in Asaib Ahl al-Haq and allegations involving human rights abuses and the 2007 attack.
His appointment to a senior government position has drawn attention to the potential impact on Baghdad’s relations with Washington.
There was no immediate official US response to the appointment.
US Lawmaker Criticises the Appointment
Republican US Representative Joe Wilson criticised the decision in a post on X. He described al-Khazali as a designated terrorist and accused him of serving Iran’s interests.
Wilson also blamed Asaib Ahl al-Haq for attacks that killed Americans and Iraqis. He compared the group with Islamic State, saying the appointment was outrageous.
These remarks reflect Wilson’s position on the appointment and the armed faction.
Iraq Seeks to Balance Relations With Washington and Tehran
Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi has sought to maintain relations with both the United States and Iran. US President Donald Trump backed al-Zaidi when he became prime minister, and the Iraqi leader has maintained strong relations with Washington.
However, Iraq has long faced the challenge of balancing its ties with the two countries. That task has become more difficult since the US-Iran war began on February 28, according to the report.
Al-Zaidi has pledged to strengthen Iraq’s sovereignty, fight corruption and complete the withdrawal of US forces. He has also called for the disarmament of non-state armed groups.
However, several powerful factions have said they will not surrender their weapons. Asaib Ahl al-Haq is among a smaller group that has agreed to hand over its arms.
Parliament Fills Remaining Cabinet Posts
Alongside al-Khazali, lawmakers appointed two other deputy prime ministers. They also approved new ministers for the interior, defence, planning, higher education and scientific research, and culture portfolios.
The other Cabinet positions had been filled five months earlier, leaving these posts vacant until Thursday’s vote.
Following the appointments, al-Zaidi said the government was beginning a phase of accelerated work. He pledged to implement its priorities and programme and respond to the aspirations of Iraqis.
The prime minister also said his government had faced complicated domestic and international circumstances in recent months. He pointed to the regional war as a source of exceptional economic and security challenges for Iraq.
The completed Cabinet now faces the task of addressing domestic priorities while managing the country’s sensitive relations with Washington and Tehran.
