Rubio warns Iraqi PM: ‘Government controlled by Iran cannot put Iraq’s interests first’

Rubio warns Iraqi PM

• Rubio and Iraq PM discussed ISIS detainees, government formation, and Iran's role.
• US praised Iraq's handling of ISIS transfers amid Syria instability.
• Washington warned against Iranian control in Iraq's next government

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US Secretary of State Marco Rubio held a phone call with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, during which the two discussed the transfer and detention of Islamic State fighters, Iraq’s government formation process, and concerns over Iranian influence, the US State Department said.

According to the State Department, Rubio and Sudani discussed “ongoing diplomatic efforts to ensure countries rapidly repatriate their citizens in Iraq, bringing them to justice,” referring to foreign nationals linked to the Islamic State currently held in Iraqi facilities.

Rubio also praised Baghdad’s handling of security issues following instability in northeast Syria. “The Secretary commended the Government of Iraq’s initiative and leadership in expediting the transfer and detention of ISIS terrorists to secure facilities in Iraq,” the State Department said in a statement attributed to Principal Deputy Spokesperson Tommy Pigott.

The call came amid mounting political uncertainty in Iraq, as former prime minister Nouri al-Maliki emerges as a potential candidate to return to office. Maliki, who left power in 2014 after US pressure, has been selected by Iraq’s largest Shiite bloc, positioning him for possible nomination as prime minister.

During the call, Rubio voiced hope that Iraq’s next government would help make the country “a force for stability, prosperity and security in the Middle East.”

At the same time, Rubio issued a warning about Tehran’s role in Iraqi politics.

“The Secretary emphasized that a government controlled by Iran cannot successfully put Iraq’s own interests first, keep Iraq out of regional conflicts, or advance the mutually beneficial partnership between the United States and Iraq,” Pigott said.

A pro-Iranian government in Baghdad would mark a strategic gain for Tehran at a time when Iran has suffered setbacks domestically and across the region. Since late December, Iranian authorities have killed thousands amid mass protests, while Israel has carried out strikes inside Iran and against Hezbollah, Tehran’s key regional ally. Iran has also lost its main Arab ally following the fall of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.

An Iraqi political source told AFP that Washington has conveyed it “holds a negative view of previous governments led by former prime minister Maliki.” In a letter to Iraqi officials, US representatives said that while the selection of a prime minister is Iraq’s sovereign decision, “the United States will make its own sovereign decisions regarding the next government in line with American interests.”

Washington retains significant leverage over Baghdad, as Iraq’s oil export revenues are largely held at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York under an arrangement dating back to the 2003 US-led invasion that ousted Saddam Hussein.

A key US demand has been that Iraq prevent the resurgence of Iran-backed Shiite armed groups. Sudani, who took office in 2022, has earned US confidence through efforts to restrain the militias and limit violence.

Maliki initially came to power in 2006 with US backing, supporting American military operations against Al-Qaeda in Iraq and other Sunni militant groups. However, US officials later blamed his sectarian policies for contributing to the rise of the Islamic State.

Iraq’s parliament is scheduled to meet on Tuesday to elect a new president, who will then appoint the next prime minister.