Iraq's dominant parliamentary bloc on Monday nominated Ali al-Zaidi, a businessman and political newcomer, to be the country's prime minister. The announcement by the Coordination Framework, a coalition of Shiite parties allied with Iran, followed a meeting at the government palace.

It came after weeks of internal debate among its member parties aimed at selecting a compromise candidate to lead the next government. Even with the backing of the dominant bloc, the new government is not assured of receiving the required number of votes.