Iraq's Shiite Coordination Framework backs PM al-Zaydi cabinet, rejects minister changes

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraq's Shiite Coordination Framework has rejected calls to dismiss or accept the resignation of ministers in Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' al-Sudani's cabinet, according to government sources cited by Iraqi media. The Framework's leaders did not act on al-Sudani's performance notes regarding several ministries and instead said the current ministers should remain in their posts. The sources said removing any minister more than 100 days into the government's tenure would weaken al-Sudani's administration, and that the bloc aims to support the cabinet in overcoming current challenges. Iraq's parliament granted a vote of confidence to al-Sudani's cabinet and government program on May 14, 2026, approving 14 of the 23 ministerial nominees. Nine portfolios, including Interior, Defense, Higher Education and Planning, remain pending because of disputes over names and quota allocations. No further details on the ministerial review process were immediately available.