Zaidi, a political unknown, has been tasked with forming a new coalition government. Now, he must grapple with growing U.S. pressure to curb Iranian influence over Iraq.

Rising Strait of Hormuz tensions fuel Iraq's $24 billion Development Road and other alternative Gulf-to-Europe trade routes, analyst says now.

The European Union mission in Iraq has officially welcomed the appointment of Ali al-Zaidi, calling for a swift government formation to address urgent national challenges.

BAGHDAD (AP) — Iraq’s dominant parliamentary bloc on Monday nominated Ali al-Zaidi, a businessman and political newcomer, to be the country’s prime minister.

After months of tensions and pressure from both the U.S. and Iran, Ali al-Zaidi, a businessman, was named as prime minister-designate.

Iraq’s UN Ambassador Lukman Faily warned the Security Council that threats to the Strait of Hormuz jeopardize Iraq's oil exports and global energy prices.

By Ahmed Rasheed, Maha El Dahan and Timour Azhari BAGHDAD/DUBAI April 21 (Reuters) - The United States has halted a shipment of about $500 million in cash bound for Iraq and suspended parts of its

However, as the US seeks to put on a positive face regarding the incoming prime minister, the US is also announcing new rewards for information on several key Iraqi militia leaders.

Like many vets, it took Fred Minnick time to find the best way to cope with what he would learn was PTSD. For Minnick, sense and peace came with bourbon — and "taste mindfulness."

A Surprising Choice for Leadership After extensive political negotiations, Iraq's Shia coalition has made an unexpected decision regarding its leadership. Ali Al-Zaidi, a 40-year-old businessman without any previous political experience,

Former Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri Al-Maliki ended his bid to reclaim the role after pressure from the US, which was concerned by his close links to Iran.