Iraqi Shia groups reject US pressure against return of Nouri al-Maliki as PM

Iraq's Shia political parties have rejected what they describe as US interference in forming the next government, amid rising tensions between Washington and Tehran and fears of wider regional conflict.

This stance follows warnings from US President Donald Trump that political and financial support could be withdrawn if former prime minister Nouri al-Maliki returns to office, as part of efforts to curb Iranian influence in Baghdad.

The Shia-led Coordination Framework, which nominated the 75-year-old Maliki for a third term, held an emergency meeting on Wednesday and reportedly rejected US pressures and potential economic consequences.

Speculation is growing that Maliki may be replaced by Iraq's intelligence chief, Hamid al-Shatri, as leaders weigh the risks of defying Washington.

Ahmed Haji Rasheed, Iraqi lawmaker from the Kurdistan Islamic Justice Group, told The New Arab that the bloc backing Maliki was unlikely to withstand sustained US pressure.

"If the United States were to suspend the transfer of Iraq's oil revenues in dollars for even one week, the value of the dinar would fall sharply, and the economy would suffer," he said, noting Iraq's heavy reliance on oil exports and external financial channels. 

He added that Washington does not object to Kurdish nominees for the largely ceremonial presidency and encourages agreement on a single candidate.

US threats

US warnings have unsettled Iraq's financial markets. Although the official exchange rate remains stable, the dinar has depreciated on the parallel market due to concerns that Washington may leverage Iraq's dollar-denominated oil revenues to influence political developments.

In a recent interview with The Washington Post, al-Shatri warned of renewed Islamic State activity in Syria, referencing clashes between Syrian government forces and the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces. 

According to information obtained by TNA from a well-informed source in Baghdad, the Trump administration has also formally requested the dismissal of Adnan al-Faihan, first deputy speaker of parliament and a member of the Sadiqun bloc, which is affiliated with Asaib Ahl al-Haq. The leader of this group, Qais al-Khazali, is on the US sanctions list.

Several Iraqi political groups condemned foreign interference as undermining Iraq’s sovereignty and constitutional order, calling for respect for election results, parliamentary procedures, and decisions by the Coordination Framework, the largest bloc in parliament.

Asaib Ahl al-Haq said only Iraqis have the right to determine their political leadership. "We reject dictates and threats from outside," the group said, reaffirming support for the Coordination Framework as a guarantor of Iraq's unity, sovereignty, and stability.

Shia blocs warn against yielding

A senior Badr Organisation official called US opposition to Maliki a "real test of the nation's will," warning that yielding to outside pressure could increase foreign intervention in Iraqi politics. 

Other Shia coalitions, including the National Approach Alliance, the Victory Alliance led by former PM Haider al-Abadi, and the State Forces Alliance, reiterated the need to follow constitutional and democratic processes and called for respectful, balanced relations with the United States.

The Development and Reconstruction Coalition, led by outgoing prime minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, emphasised that the formation of the next government is an internal matter reflecting the will of the people, while also highlighting the importance of maintaining constructive relations with Washington. The coalition stated that, as part of the Coordination Framework, it has a constitutional duty to nominate a candidate capable of addressing Iraq's challenges and crises.

Maliki, who served as Iraq's prime minister from 2006 to 2014, rejected US warnings in a post on X, describing them as "blatant American interference" and a violation of Iraq’s sovereignty and post-2003 political system. He stated, "Dialogue between states is the only viable political option, not threats or impositions," and affirmed that he would continue his efforts in accordance with the constitution and national will.

Iraq's parliament will reconvene on Sunday to elect a president, after Tuesday's session was postponed due to political deadlock.

Separately, Kataib Hezbollah urged Iraqi political forces to unite in resisting what it called humiliating US interference, warning that failure to do so could lead to submission and external domination.

US officials state that their campaign seeks to exclude individuals linked to Iran-backed militias from the next cabinet and to cut off funding to their political and armed networks. Iraqi politicians have indicated that such groups may circumvent restrictions by nominating ostensibly independent ministers while retaining influence behind the scenes.

Savaya and Wilson outline conditions

The Trump administration has outlined its demands more clearly. In posts on X, US Representative Joe Wilson warned that "Iranian influence in Iraq will no longer be tolerated" and said any new prime minister must serve only Iraqi interests. He added, "The era in which outside actors imposed prime ministers on Iraq is over."

Trump's special envoy to Iraq, Mark Savaya, said US efforts aim to prevent Iran-backed militias from gaining power and to address entrenched corruption. "We now have a comprehensive understanding of officials who benefited from looted funds, including senior government figures and family members," Savaya wrote. "No one is above the law. Justice must be delivered to the Iraqi people."

Savaya also warned that the new Iraqi government must dismantle Iran-aligned militias, address corruption, establish an independent judiciary, and ensure cabinet members serve the state rather than political parties.

Maliki remains a divisive figure. Supporters credit him with restoring state authority during the insurgency, while critics argue his rule entrenched sectarianism and contributed to the Iraqi army's 2014 collapse, enabling the Islamic State's advance.

Influential Shia cleric Moqtada al-Sadr called for restraint, urging followers to remain calm amid political tensions. In a post, his aide Saleh Mohammed al-Iraqi advised: "Do not say anything and do not do anything except after consulting the religious authority. Calm."

As the political deadlock continues, debate over Maliki's future underscores both US influence and the fragility of government formation at a critical time for Iraq's stability.