ERBIL, Kurdistan Region of Iraq – The US Embassy in Baghdad on Wednesday extended its “best wishes” to Prime Minister-designate Ali al-Zaidi in his efforts to form the upcoming government, following his nomination by the ruling Shiite Coordination Framework.

“The US Mission in Iraq extends its best wishes to Prime Minister-designate Ali al-Zaidi as he works to form a government capable of fulfilling the aspirations of all Iraqis for a brighter and more peaceful future,” the embassy said on X.

The mission further expressed solidarity with the Iraqi population as they strive to realize the “shared goals” of preserving national sovereignty, defeating terrorism, and building a prosperous future that benefits “both Americans and Iraqis.”

Zaidi, an Iraqi businessman, was nominated by the parliament’s largest bloc the Coordination Framework  for the top office, and was officially designated by Iraqi President Nizar Amedi to form the next cabinet shortly after, following a series of meetings in Baghdad on Monday.

Efforts to select a candidate were initially marked by tensions, with Washington rejecting the ruling framework’s bid to elect State of Law Coalition head Nouri al-Maliki, criticizing his policies. Shiite factions, however, insisted on their candidate, prolonging the process amid regional unrest.

Zaidi is notably the former chairman of a bank that has been under US sanctions since 2024 over allegations of money laundering, fraud, and the illegal use of US dollars.

He is seen as a compromise figure and is relatively unknown in the Iraqi political sphere.

On Monday, the Coordination Framework expressed gratitude for outgoing Prime Minister Mohammad Shia’ al-Sudani and State of Law Coalition leader Nouri al-Maliki’s stances in “withdrawing their candidacies for the premiership” and allowing the body to select a candidate who “meets the required qualifications.” 

Zaidi’s nomination was also welcomed by UK, French, and Gulf representatives on Tuesday.

The businessman’s selection came following at least seven meetings held by the ruling Shiite Coordination Framework aimed at naming a candidate for the top post, but which repeatedly failed to do so. 

The nomination process exceeded the constitutional deadline by a day, marking 16 days since the election of Iraq’s new president. The prime minister-designate must present a cabinet to parliament within 30 days of his designation.