PM congratulates Iraq PM-designate Al-Zaidi, signals deeper bilateral engagement

• Premier Shehbaz Sharif says Pakistan seeks closer ties with new Iraqi leadership

• Ali Al-Zaidi nominated after five-month political deadlock in Iraq

• Cabinet formation task set amid intense political negotiations in Baghdad

• PM-designate reportedly receives call from US President Donald Trump

 ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday congratulated Ali Al-Zaidi on his nomination as Prime Minister of Iraq, saying Pakistan looks forward to working closely with the new Iraqi government to deepen bilateral relations and advance shared goals of peace, stability and prosperity in the region.

Al-Zaidi’s nomination comes after five months of legislative elections and a prolonged political deadlock, reportedly shaped by external geopolitical pressures, including opposition from US President Donald Trump to two-time former premier Nouri Al-Maliki, who maintains close ties with Iran, a country long at odds with the United States.

Iraqi President Nizar Amede formally nominated businessman Al-Zaidi as prime minister-designate on Monday, tasking him with the formation of a new cabinet within 30 days amid intense political negotiations.

In a message posted on X, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said he congratulated Al-Zaidi on his appointment and expressed Islamabad’s readiness to strengthen engagement with the new Iraqi leadership.

I congratulate my brother H.E. Mr. Ali al-Zaidi on his appointment as Prime Minister of Iraq. I extend my warm wishes to him as he assumes this important responsibility.

Pakistan looks forward to working closely with the new Iraqi government to further strengthen our bilateral…

— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) May 2, 2026

“Pakistan looks forward to working closely with the new Iraqi government to further strengthen our bilateral ties and advance our shared aspirations for peace, stability, and prosperity in the region,” the prime minister said.

The United States has maintained significant influence in Iraq since the 2003 invasion that led to the overthrow of former ruler Saddam Hussein. However, the post-invasion landscape also enabled neighbouring Iran to expand its regional influence, leaving Iraqi leadership to carefully balance relations between Washington and Tehran.

Phone call from US President Donald Trump

Al-Zaidi also reportedly received a phone call from US President Donald Trump, who congratulated him on his nomination and invited him to Washington once his government is formed, according to the Iraqi Prime Minister’s office.

Trump had earlier warned that US support could be reconsidered if frontrunner Nouri Al-Maliki were to return to power, a stance that contributed to shifting political calculations in Baghdad.

According to the Iraqi PM’s media office, Trump “extended a formal invitation to visit Washington following the formation of the government” and discussed with Al-Zaidi “strategic bilateral relations between Iraq and the United States” as well as “cooperation to consolidate stability in the region.”

In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump wrote: “We wish him success as he works to form a new Government free from terrorism that could deliver a brighter future for Iraq.”

He added: “This is the beginning of a tremendous new chapter between our Nations — Prosperity, Stability, and Success like never seen before. Again, Ali, CONGRATULATIONS!”

The new Iraqi leadership is expected to face immediate challenges, including Washington’s longstanding demand for the disarmament of Iran-backed groups, which the United States designates as terrorist organisations.

During recent Middle East tensions triggered by a joint US-Israeli attack on Iran, several such groups targeted US interests in Iraq, including the embassy in Baghdad, a diplomatic and logistics facility at Baghdad airport, and oil installations operated by foreign companies.