His move came hours after parliament failed for the second time in a week to approve his cabinet amid political infighting in the oil producer, where mass protests and deadlock between lawmakers are delaying Iraq’s recovery from years of war.

Allawi’s appointment was meant to ease a crisis as the country faces a mass protest movement that broke out in October and brought down Adel Abdul-Mahdi, the then-prime minister.

President Barham Salih will begin consultations to choose a new candidate for a new prime minister within 15 days, the state news agency said.

Salih appointed Allawi after squabbling lawmakers from rival parties failed for two months to decide on a successor to Abdul-Mahdi, who resigned in November during mass unrest. Iraqi prime minister, Allawi had one month to form a government that was meant to organize early elections.

“I tried by all possible means to save Iraq from drifting to the unknown and to solve the current crisis, but during negotiations, I faced many matters,” Allawi said in a statement, accusing politicians he did not identify of not being serious about reforms.

The protests, which initially demanded jobs and services, quickly turned into calls for the removal of Iraq’s entire ruling elite. Protesters had opposed Allawi because they view him as part of the system they want to bring down.

“The Islamic Republic of Iran hails appointment of Mohammed Tawfiq Allawi as new Iraqi Prime Minister to support independence, national sovereignty, territorial integrity and strengthening the foundations of democracy in Iraq,” the spokesman said.

In line with the Iraqi government and people’s legitimate request for expelling US forces from Iraq, Iran welcomes Allawi’s appointment, he added.

The spokesman also wished Allawi success and expressed hope that by forming a new government, he would be able to fulfill the legitimate demands of the people and the religious leaders and help create a stable Iraq with an important regional status.

After two months of political deadlock, Iraqi President Barham Salih on Saturday appointed Allawi to replace caretaker Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi, who resigned in late November in the face of widespread anti-government protests.

The prime minister-designate has a month to form a government, which must be approved by the country’s Parliament. He is tasked with running the country until an early election is held, for which there is no set date.

The appointment of Allawi, a former communications minister, followed an ultimatum by Salih, who had said he would pick a new prime minister himself if parties did not agree on a candidate.