The United States has issued a Friday ultimatum to Baghdad, demanding the formation of a government devoid of Iranian influence or risk facing sanctions. This development is particularly centered on the nomination of Nouri al-Maliki, a former Prime Minister with strong ties to Iran, by Shiite political factions.
According to Saudi television channel Al-Hadath, the U.S. government has expressed serious concerns over al-Maliki’s potential return to power. The situation gained momentum following remarks from U.S. President Donald Trump, who voiced his opposition to al-Maliki’s nomination on Truth Social shortly after it was announced.
U.S. officials have conveyed to Iraqi leaders that failure to comply with this ultimatum could lead to punitive actions. A formal communication was sent to Baghdad indicating that sanctions might be imposed on individuals and entities should al-Maliki’s candidacy proceed.
In a recent public address, U.S. envoy Tom Barrack discussed the matter after a meeting with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani. Barrack emphasized the importance of effective leadership that aligns with U.S. goals to foster stability and prosperity in Iraq and the broader region.
Simultaneously, Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein reiterated the commitment of the Coordination Framework, the coalition backing Maliki’s nomination, to continue pursuing his candidacy. During discussions with Barrack in Baghdad, Hussein underscored the necessity of maintaining communication and cooperation in the lead-up to the final formation of Iraq’s government.
Despite al-Maliki’s significant political clout from his previous terms, internal discord within the Coordination Framework suggests apprehension about the implications of his candidacy on U.S.-Iraq relations. Some members worry that insisting on al-Maliki’s return could jeopardize essential international support at a critical time for Iraq, facing economic and security challenges.
Al-Maliki has countered the notion that foreign pressures should dictate Iraq’s political future, asserting that decisions regarding his potential withdrawal from the candidacy should arise internally within the Coordination Framework. He maintained that the right to the premiership is a political matter governed by parliamentary balances, rather than external demands.
This situation not only underscores the complexities of Iraq’s political landscape but also highlights the delicate balance of international relations as the country navigates its path forward.