Iraqi Shiite leaders hold talks to fill nine vacant cabinet seats

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Shiite political leaders are holding intensive bilateral talks to nominate candidates for nine vacant Iraqi cabinet seats, according to a source within the Coordination Framework. The negotiations are focused primarily on the Defense and Interior ministries, with the bloc seeking moderate figures acceptable across the political spectrum. The State of Law Alliance has drawn up a shortlist that includes former Chief of the Internal Security Court of Cassation Mohammed Sami and General Qasim Ata, though officials familiar with the discussions say Ata's confirmation prospects remain limited. Prime Minister Ali al-Zaydi told leaders in his latest meeting with the Coordination Framework and the State Administration Coalition that nominees should be qualified figures unlikely to generate political friction. Sources close to the Prime Ministry said the full cabinet could be completed next month. Al-Zaydi has continued to serve as acting minister of defense and interior and has reportedly expressed satisfaction with the current arrangement. Iraq's parliament granted confidence to the al-Zaydi government on May 14, 2026, approving 14 of 23 ministers. The remaining nine seats have remained vacant because of disputes over candidates and quota allocations.