US escalates pressure on Iraq to block Nouri al-Maliki’s return to power

Washington has intensified its diplomatic and economic pressure against former Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki’s bid to return to office.

A US State Department official stated that President Donald Trump’s Iraq policy necessitates a government capable of working effectively and respectfully with Washington.

“We are prepared to utilize all tools at our disposal to implement the President’s policy, and we have communicated this resolve to the Iraqi political leadership,” the official told Rudaw. The official reiterated that Washington would suspend aid to Iraq should Maliki be elected.

Maliki maintains foreign pressure violates national sovereignty

Emphasizing his determination to remain in the race, Nouri al-Maliki told Al-Sharqiya television in an interview that he would only withdraw if requested by the Coordination Framework, the coalition that nominated him.

“Withdrawing due to pressure from a foreign state would set a dangerous precedent and undermine national sovereignty,” Maliki said.

Addressing President Trump’s criticisms of him on social media, Maliki suggested that these posts might be influenced by certain actors within Iraq. The former Prime Minister characterized US threats against the Iraqi economy as “tools of coercion,” asserting that such a stance damages bilateral relations.

Internal divisions persist within the Coordination Framework

Following President Trump’s statements, the Coordination Framework held a weekend review but did not rescind Maliki’s candidacy.

However, reports indicate that some components within the coalition are becoming wary of the potential financial fallout from a confrontation with the US and are distancing themselves from the bid.

In January, US officials warned that Iraq’s access to its oil revenues held at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York could be severed if groups linked to Hashd al-Shaabi were included in the government.

Maliki’s candidacy was formalized on January 24, following an announcement by current Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani that he would not seek a second term.

Having served two terms as Prime Minister following the 2003 US intervention, Maliki is regarded as one of the most influential figures of the post-Saddam Hussein era. As the leader of the Islamic Dawa Party, Maliki has historically maintained close ties with Iran, though he pursued a balancing act with Washington during his time in office.