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iraq's new president

Iraqi parliament elects Nizar Amedi as country's new president

SUMMARY

Iraq's parliament has elected Kurdish politician Nizar Amedi as the new president. Amedi, a former environment minister, has led the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan's political office in Baghdad since 2024.

Now, Iraq must select a new prime minister, a sensitive choice due to U.S. concerns over former Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki’s nomination by Iranian-backed Shi'ite coalitions. U.S. President Trump has threatened to withdraw support if Maliki is chosen.

Amidst rising tensions, senior U.S. and Iranian officials are engaging in high-level talks in Islamabad. Iraq's political structure requires a Shi'ite prime minister, a Sunni parliamentary speaker, and a Kurdish president.


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