BAGHDAD — Iraq's dominant parliamentary bloc, the Coordination Framework, nominated Ali al-Zaidi to be the country's prime minister, ending a months-long deadlock in selecting a head of government. President Nizar Amidi tasked al-Zaidi with forming a new government following the announcement.

The Coordination Framework, a coalition of Shiite parties allied with Iran, held a meeting at the government palace before announcing the nomination. In its statement, the bloc thanked former Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki and Mohammed Shia al-Sudani for withdrawing their candidacies. Al-Sudani issued a separate statement congratulating al-Zaidi on his nomination.

The Coordination Framework had previously supported al-Maliki as its candidate. U.S. President Donald Trump announced his opposition to al-Maliki's appointment and threatened to cut off aid to Iraq if he was named prime minister. Al-Maliki did not withdraw his candidacy after Trump's opposition.

Al-Zaidi is chairman of Al-Janoob Islamic Bank and has not previously held political office. He emerged as a leading candidate due to his economic background and connections in the business and investment sectors.

"I will focus on making Iraq a balanced country, regionally and internationally," al-Zaidi said following his nomination. "This appointment comes at a sensitive time that requires concerted efforts from all political and social forces."

Under the constitution, the designated prime minister has 30 days to present a Cabinet lineup to parliament, which requires 167 votes to secure a vote of confidence. Al-Zaidi's nomination comes as Iraq faces a range of domestic and foreign policy challenges.

The next government will have to deal with the political and economic fallout of the U.S.-Israeli war against Iran, which has spilled over into Iraq. The closure of the Strait of Hormuz has disrupted the oil exports on which Iraq's economy depends. The incoming administration will also face challenges in dealing with corruption, uncontrolled weapons outside state authority, and the future of the Popular Mobilization Forces.