Iraq's Coordination Framework (a coalition of major Shia political parties, the largest bloc in parliament) has nominated 40-year-old banker and businessman Ali al-Zaidi as prime minister-designate, surprising political observers who had expected a different candidate. President Nizar Amidi formally tasked al-Zaidi with forming the next government on 28 April 2026, following months of deadlock after a previous nominee, former prime minister Nouri al-Maliki, was effectively blocked by strong US opposition to his candidacy. Al-Zaidi, who has a background in law, banking and corporate governance but has never held public office, now has 30 days to form a cabinet while navigating acute pressures including US demands to disarm Iran-backed armed factions, strained relations with Gulf neighbours, and a sharp fall in oil revenues linked to disruptions caused by the ongoing US-Iran conflict.