Key points
- Iraq’s largest Shia bloc backs al-Maliki
- US seeks to limit Iran’s influence
- Sanctions threatened over next Iraqi government
WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump has warned that the United States will withdraw its support for Iraq if former prime minister Nouri al-Maliki is reinstated, escalating Washington’s pressure on Iraqi political factions amid ongoing government formation talks.
According to Al Jazeera, Trump made the remarks after al-Maliki was nominated by the Coordination Framework, the largest Shia bloc in Iraq’s parliament, as its candidate for prime minister. Writing on his Truth Social platform, Trump said Iraq would be making a “very bad choice” by backing al-Maliki, citing his previous term in office.
Strongest intervention
“Last time Maliki was in power, the Country descended into poverty and total chaos. That should not be allowed to happen again,” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform.
“Because of his insane policies and ideologies, if elected, the United States of America will no longer help Iraq,” he said.
“If we are not there to help, Iraq has ZERO chance of Success, Prosperity, or Freedom. MAKE IRAQ GREAT AGAIN!”
The comments mark Trump’s strongest intervention yet in Iraqi politics and reflect broader US efforts to curb the influence of Iran-aligned groups in Baghdad. Iraq has long attempted to balance relations between Washington and Tehran.
In a letter to Iraqi officials, US representatives said that while choosing a prime minister is Iraq’s sovereign decision, Washington would determine its future engagement based on American interests.
