President Nizar Amede has tasked Ali al-Zaidi, the candidate of the largest parliamentary bloc, with forming the new government, the presidency said in a statement.

The announcement came shortly after the Coordination Framework, an alliance of Shia factions with varying links toIranand that had initially nominated Maliki, endorsed Zaidi to be its candidate.

The Coordination Framework had initially backed powerbroker Nouri al-Maliki to become the countrys next prime minister, but an ultimatum by US PresidentDonald Trumpreshuffled the cards.

In January, Trump threatened to stop all support forIraqif two-time ex-premier Maliki, who has close ties to Iran, returned to power.

On Monday, the Coordination Framework praised the historic and responsible stance of Maliki and caretaker Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani for withdrawing their candidacies.

Iraq has long walked a tightrope between the competing influences of its allies, neighbouring Iran and its arch foe the United States.

In Iraq, a nomination by the largestShiitebloc effectively brings a candidate to power through presidential appointment, but Trumps threats left Iraqi leaders at a loss, forcing them into intense discussions to settle on a new candidate.

Seen as a compromise figure, Zaidi is little known in political circles.

He is a businessman, banker and an owner of a television channel, and has never held a government post.

(FRANCE 24 with AFP)

Originally published on France24