Iraq's Shiite bloc defies Trump warnings, backs Maliki for PM

Iraqs Shiite bloc defies Trump warnings, reaffirms backing for Maliki — The Coordination Framework, an Iraqi Shiite alliance with ties to Iran, in Baghdad on January 31, 2026. Photo: X

BAGHDAD,— Iraq’s main Shiite political alliance said on Saturday that it backs former Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki to form the next government, even after U.S. President Donald Trump warned that Washington would stop helping Iraq if Maliki returns to power.

The statement from the Coordination Framework underscored the alliance’s determination to proceed with its nominee despite strong opposition from the United States, which has long played a major role in Iraqi politics.

The United States has wielded significant influence in Iraq since leading the 2003 invasion that removed longtime ruler Saddam Hussein from power. At the same time, Washington is considered an adversary of Iran, which remains one of Baghdad’s closest partners.

Maliki is a veteran figure in Iraqi politics and the country’s only prime minister to have served two full terms. He led Iraq’s government from 2006 until 2014 during a period marked by deep sectarian tensions and security challenges.

During his early years in office, Maliki worked closely with U.S. officials and had the backing of American forces in Iraq. Relations later soured as his government expanded political and security ties with Tehran, creating friction with Washington.

Last week, the Coordination Framework formally endorsed Maliki as its candidate for prime minister. The alliance brings together a range of Shiite parties with varying levels of connection to Iran and has emerged in recent years as Iraq’s dominant ruling bloc.

A few days after that endorsement, Trump issued a public warning, describing Maliki as a “very bad choice” for Iraq. He said that if Maliki is elected, the United States would no longer provide assistance to Baghdad.

On Saturday, the Coordination Framework responded by reaffirming its position. In a written statement, the alliance said it “reiterates its support for its nominee.”

It added that the selection of a prime minister is “an exclusively Iraqi constitutional matter” that must be free from foreign interference.

The group also said it seeks “balanced relations with the international community, especially key global powers, based on mutual respect and non-interference in internal affairs.”

Iraq has recently regained a measure of normalcy after decades of conflict and instability, but its political system remains shaped by the need to balance relations between Iran and the United States.

The alliance’s statement came on the eve of a scheduled session of parliament to elect a new president.

However, ongoing political disputes have raised doubts about whether enough lawmakers will attend to meet the required quorum.

Under Iraq’s constitution, once a president is elected, he has 15 days to appoint a prime minister. That nominee is typically chosen by the largest Shiite bloc in parliament, which is currently the Coordination Framework.

By longstanding convention, Iraq’s prime minister is a Shiite, the parliament speaker is a Sunni, and the largely ceremonial presidency is held by a Kurd.

Kurdish parties have not yet agreed on a single presidential candidate, complicating the process. In Iraq’s often volatile political environment, major decisions are frequently delayed beyond constitutional deadlines due to internal disputes and external pressure.

Iraq is also facing weak economic growth and is wary of provoking further U.S. punitive measures. Washington has already imposed sanctions on several Iraqi entities, accusing them of helping Tehran evade American restrictions.

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(With files from AFP | Reuters)