Maliki denounces US ‘blatant interference’ as Trump warns Iraq over premiership bid

Maliki hits back at US pressure

Iraq’s leading contender for the prime minister’s post, Nouri al-Maliki, hit back on Wednesday at what he described as Washington’s “blatant interference”, after US President Donald Trump warned that American support for Iraq would end if Maliki returned to office.

The United States has exerted considerable influence over Iraqi politics since spearheading the 2003 invasion that removed long-time ruler Saddam Hussein.

“We categorically reject the blatant American interference in Iraq's internal affairs,” said Maliki, the only former Iraqi prime minister to have served two terms since the invasion. He added on X that such actions were “a violation” of Iraq’s “democratic system”, which has been in place since 2003.

Maliki’s relationship with Washington deteriorated during his time in office between 2006 and 2014, amid accusations that he pursued a sectarian agenda and deepened ties with Iran.

Despite that rift, the 75-year-old remains a dominant figure in Iraqi politics and a key powerbroker, with his backing widely seen as essential for forming any governing coalition.

Trump, speaking on Tuesday, warned that Iraq would be making a “very bad choice” if Maliki were selected as prime minister. He went on to say that because of Maliki’s “insane policies and ideologies”, “if elected, the United States of America will no longer help Iraq”.

Maliki’s candidacy has been endorsed by the Coordination Framework, a powerful alliance of Shiite parties with varying degrees of linkage to Iran that has emerged in recent years as Iraq’s main ruling bloc.

'Until the end'

Since the invasion, Iraq has long been a proxy battleground between the US and Iran, with successive governments negotiating a delicate balance between the two foes.

But Iraq's new prime minister is set to return to power at a time of seismic changes in the Middle East, as Tehran's regional influence wanes and as Washington threatens possible military intervention in Iran.

In his post on Wednesday, Maliki said the US involvement "infringes upon the Coordination Framework's decision to nominate" its candidate.

He added that, in line with that decision, he "will continue to work until the end, in a way that achieves the higher interests of the Iraqi people".

Several Iraqi political sources told AFP that the coalition is set to meet soon to discuss Trump's ultimatum.

"Efforts are underway to hold a meeting amid a complicated situation," a source close to the Framework said.

He added that there were internal divisions within the coalition over supporting Maliki, but that a majority vote ultimately settled the issue.

Maliki's backers are now pushing to maintain his candidacy and "not back down", he added.

US representatives in Iraq have been lobbying against Maliki, according to Iraqi sources and diplomats in Baghdad.

Trump's statement came days after Secretary of State Marco Rubio voiced similar concerns in a telephone call with outgoing Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani.

The US had also sent a letter to Iraqi politicians saying that Washington views Maliki negatively, political sources told AFP.

Iraq's new premier will be expected to address Washington's longstanding demand that Baghdad disarm Tehran-backed factions, many of which are designated terrorist groups by the United States.

Last month, Iraqi officials and diplomats told AFP that Washington demanded that the incoming government exclude Iran-backed armed groups.

Before Trump's call, an Iraqi political source said that the Coordination Framework was set on moving forward with the nomination, believing that Maliki could eventually allay Washington's concerns.

Maliki "thinks differently today", an Iraqi politician told AFP.

After decades of conflicts and chaos, Iraq has recently regained a sense of stability.

But it is struggling with weak economic growth and cannot risk punitive measures by the US, which has already sanctioned several Iraqi entities, accusing them of helping Tehran evade sanctions.