Khamanei backs Abadi
Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has expressed his support to Abadi, who now has the backing of key figures inside Iraq and in the international community.
"I hope the designation of the new prime minister in Iraq will untie the knot and lead to the establishment of a new government and teach a good lesson to those who aim for sedition in Iraq," Khamenei said during a meeting, according to a statement on his website.
More from Hollande’s office
"In order to respond to the urgent need expressed by the Kurdistan regional authorities, the president has decided, in agreement with Baghdad, to deliver arms in the coming hours.”
"France intends to play an active role by providing, along with its partners and in liaison with the new Iraqi authorities, all the assistance required."
Hollande also reiterated France's support for Abadi and urged a "unity government, representing all Iraqis to fight effectively against Islamic State."
France Sending Arms
French President Francois Hollande has just announced that the country will deliver weapons to Kurdish Peshmerga forces fighting IS militants in northern Iraq.
Hollande's office said in a statement: "In order to respond to the urgent need expressed by the Kurdistan regional authorities, the president has decided, in agreement with Baghdad, to deliver arms in the coming hours."
Maliki not going out without a fight
Maliki has said in his televised weekly address that it will take a federal court ruling for him to leave power.
"I confirm that the government will continue and there will not be a replacement for it without a decision from the federal court."
Syrian Kurds help out
Syrian Kurdish fighters who have been rescuing Yazidi refugees have said air raids on IS militants and airdrops of aid have not done enough for people stranded on Mount Sanjir.
Syrian Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG) said in a statement that the “humanitarian situation was severe” and that there is an urgent “need for food, medical aid, and water.”
YPG fighters, guerrillas of the Turkish Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), and local defense units have helped evacuate members of the Kurdish-speaking minority from the mountain range.
MP in 'stable condition'
Yazidi MP Vian Dakhil, who was injured when a helicopter on a relief flight to Mount Sinjar crashed yesterday evening, was in a "stable condition" with minor leg injuries, her office has said on Facebook.