Ali al-Zaidi Named Prime Minister-Designate; Youngest PM in Modern Iraq

Iraqi President Nizar Amedi (PUK-Kurdish) formally named Ali Faleh al-Zaidi as prime minister-designate on April 27, 2026. Al-Zaidi, a 39-year-old businessman from Dhi Qar Province with no prior political office, is potentially the youngest prime minister in Iraq's modern history. His nomination was advanced by the Coordination Framework (Shi'a bloc) and received signals of US approval. Al-Zaidi's designation followed a protracted government-formation crisis after the October 2025 elections. He was given 30 days to form a cabinet and seek a parliamentary confidence vote. His selection by Iran-aligned forces while also securing US backing reflects the balancing act Iraq has maintained throughout the post-ISIS era.