Iraq delays naming two deputy prime ministers over reported US veto on candidates

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraq's government formation has hit a delay in naming two deputy prime ministers after a reported US veto on certain candidates, officials and political sources said. Lawmaker Abu Tarab al-Tamimi criticized the creation of the vice president and deputy prime minister posts, saying the two officeholders would pursue their own party agendas and slow the prime minister's work. He also argued that the number of advisers exceeded operational needs, calling the new positions a waste of public resources. Firas al-Muslawi, spokesperson for the Reconstruction and Development Coalition, said the two deputy posts were agreed through political consensus and that candidates would be chosen once the cabinet lineup is finalized. According to sources within the Coordination Framework, nominations for the deputy prime minister positions were approved unanimously by all leaders inside the bloc, with only the State of Law Coalition leader standing apart from the consensus. Sources said the candidate selection process required deeper discussions because of a reported US veto on some names. The government formation process is expected to be completed this week and put to a parliamentary vote next week.