Iraqi lawmakers approved a new government on Thursday led by Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi, who vowed to ensure a state monopoly on weapons amid growing US pressure to dismantle Tehran-backed groups.
Iraq has long walked a tightrope between the competing influences of its allies, neighbouring Iran and the United States.
Iraq's parliament voted in favour of Zaidi's government and programme, just a few weeks after he was designated following months of political deadlock.