Iraq’s new prime minister faces Gulf trust crisis after Iran war
9 reported2 unconfirmed
According to a report from the Christian Science Monitor, Iraq’s new Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi, a 40-year-old banking mogul endorsed by President Donald Trump, is attempting to steer the country through an economic and diplomatic crisis less than two weeks into his tenure. The report states that Arab states in the Persian Gulf are concerned about Iraqi territory being used as a launching point for missiles and drones targeting Gulf infrastructure, including Kuwaiti border posts, Saudi oil refineries, and an Emirati nuclear reactor. The article notes that Iran is galvanizing its Shiite militia proxies inside Iraq, while Saudi Arabia has launched missile strikes on Iraq and the U.S. is losing patience. Mr. Zaidi has called on militias to integrate into the armed forces and come under government control, and has reportedly turned down a $200 million bribe to cover up corruption in the Oil Ministry. The report, based on interviews with analysts and unnamed Gulf officials, indicates that Gulf Arab officials remain pessimistic that any Iraqi government can exert full control over the country.
What’s reported
Iraq’s new Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi is a 40-year-old banking mogul endorsed by President Donald Trump.
Mr. Zaidi took office in mid-May as Iraq’s youngest-ever prime minister.
Iraqi territory has been used as a launching point for missiles and drones targeting Kuwaiti border posts, Saudi oil refineries, and an Emirati nuclear reactor.
Saudi Arabia has launched missile strikes on Iraq.
Mr. Zaidi called on militias to integrate into the armed forces and come under government control.
Mr. Zaidi announced he turned down a $200 million bribe to cover up corruption in the Oil Ministry.
Oil exports make up 90% of Iraq’s government revenues.
The U.S. Embassy in Baghdad and American military bases have been targeted by militias.
Militia-aligned political parties won seats in the November 2025 elections.
Open questions
Whether Mr. Zaidi can successfully rein in Iran-backed militias and repair relations with Gulf states.
What specific policies Mr. Zaidi will pursue, as he has never held public office or run in elections.
Key figures
Ali al-Zaidi, Prime Minister of Iraq
President Donald Trump
Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, former Prime Minister of Iraq
Moqtada al-Sadr, Iraqi cleric
Dr. Renad Mansour, director of the Iraq Initiative at Chatham House
Hamzeh Hadad, adjunct fellow at the Center for a New American Security
Dr. Muhanad Seloom, assistant professor at the Doha Institute for Graduate Studies
Sources: csmonitor.com
