The United States has warned Iraq about choosing Nouri al-Maliki as the next prime minister. The U.S. support threat is now shaping political discussions in Baghdad. U.S. President Donald Trump said Iraq could struggle without American help if Maliki returns to power. Trump criticized Maliki’s past leadership and described him as a “very bad choice” for Iraq. He added that Iraq fell into chaos and poverty during Maliki’s time in office. Trump also said the country would have “zero chance” of success without U.S. assistance.
Maliki received nomination support from a coalition of Shiite-led political parties. These parties hold a majority in parliament and aim to choose him as their candidate for prime minister. If confirmed, Maliki would return to lead Iraq years after his previous term. His last term saw increasing tension among Kurdish, Sunni, and Shiite communities. Observers note that Maliki’s earlier policies contributed to political unrest and helped extremist groups gain power. His government’s heavy-handed approach toward opponents angered many Sunni and Kurdish citizens. Some analysts warn that repeating past mistakes could destabilize Iraq again.
Trump and U.S. officials have also raised concerns about Iran’s influence in Iraq. They say Maliki has links to Iran, and his return could strengthen Tehran’s control over Iraqi decisions. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized that Iraq’s leaders should prioritize national interests. Meanwhile, Iraqi politicians continue negotiating to form a government. Some leaders argue Iraq should make independent decisions without foreign pressure. Others worry about losing U.S. support, especially in security and economic areas. As debates continue, the U.S. support threat has become a key consideration.
Experts suggest that Iraq faces a delicate balance between regional influence and foreign partnerships. Choosing a prime minister will affect both domestic stability and international relations. The political outcome remains uncertain, and the role of U.S. involvement is under scrutiny. Trump’s warning signals that U.S. assistance could change depending on Iraq’s leadership. As Maliki’s nomination moves forward, Iraq must weigh domestic priorities against the U.S. support threat. Leaders are expected to continue discussions to reach a final decision.
