January 28, 2026 — Dalena Reporters
Former Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri Al-Maliki, who has been endorsed as a leading candidate to return as Iraq’s next prime minister, on Wednesday publicly rejected what he described as “blatant American interference” in Iraq’s internal politics after U.S. President Donald Trump threatened to withdraw U.S. support if Al-Maliki assumes the post.
Speaking on social media platform X, Al-Maliki said his candidacy and the decision by the Coordination Framework political alliance to nominate him should not be subject to outside pressure. He described Washington’s comments as a violation of Iraq’s democratic system and insisted that Iraq must determine its leadership independently.
Al-Maliki — a dominant figure in Iraqi politics who previously served two terms as prime minister noted Iraq has long balanced relations between the United States and Iran, with his premiership historically marked by tensions with Washington over policy direction and regional alliances.
On Tuesday, Trump warned that Iraq would be making a “very bad choice” if Al-Maliki were selected as prime minister, adding that the United States would reconsider its support because of Maliki’s past policies and political positions.
Al-Maliki reaffirmed his commitment to his political agenda and stated that he will continue efforts to serve Iraq in line with what he says are the national interests of the Iraqi people, despite the international pressure.