Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi has now filled 17 posts in his cabinet of 22 ministers Deadlock remains over the five empty posts including the key ministers of defense and interior BAGHDAD: Iraq’s parliament approved three new ministers Tuesday but broke up before voting on the five remaining posts. Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi has now filled 17 posts in his cabinet of 22 ministers. But deadlock remains over the five empty posts including the key ministers of defense and interior. The other 14 were approved by parliament in late October.