Artillery fire in Baghdad celebrating new govt: security source

This handout picture released by the Iraqi Prime Minister's Office shows new prime minister-designate Ali al-Zaidi speaking ahead of presenting his government to to the parliament in Baghdad on May 14, 2026. (Photo by IRAQI PARLIAMENT / AFP)

• The three blasts marked the establishment of a government under newly selected PM Ali Al-Zaidi
• Iraq has long walked a tightrope between the competing influences of its allies, neighboring Iran and the US

BAGHDAD: Loud bangs heard on Saturday in the center of Baghdad were artillery being fired to celebrate the formation of the new government, a security source told AFP.
The three blasts, heard by an AFP reporter, marked the establishment of a government under newly selected Prime Minister Ali Al-Zaidi.
Following the first bangs, a security spokesperson warned that there would be more artillery fire to celebrate Zaidi’s assumption of office.
Iraqi lawmakers approved a new government on Thursday led by Zaidi, who took office after months of deadlock and mounting US pressure.
Zaidi’s government should include 23 ministers, but its line-up remains incomplete as key political parties continue to negotiate several portfolios.
Iraq has long walked a tightrope between the competing influences of its allies, neighboring Iran and the United States.
From the outset, Iraq was drawn into the Middle East war, ignited by a joint Israeli-US attack on Iran on February 28.
During the war, explosions were frequently heard in Baghdad, largely caused by drone and rocket attacks launched by Tehran-backed groups on the US embassy in the fortified Green Zone.