Donald Trump Signals End of US Support if Iraq Brings Back Former PM al-Maliki

In an escalation of language, US President Donald Trump has warned Iraq that if former Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki comes to office, Washington will withdraw all support. The warning came shortly after the powerful Coordination Framework coalition of Shiite parties signaled its support for al-Maliki, a man long seen by the US as too close to Iran. Trump expressed his displeasure publicly, saying, “The last time Maliki was in control, the country plunged into poverty and complete anarchy. That should not happen again, according to The Associated Press. According to him, “if elected, the United States of America will no longer help Iraq and, if we are not there to help, Iraq has ZERO chance of Success, Prosperity, or Freedom.”

US concerns increase amid heightened relations with Iran.

Trump’s comments come at a crucial time, as he considers additional military action against Iran. Following Saddam Hussein’s fall in 2003, the Islamic Republic retains significant influence in Iraqi politics. Washington has frequently warned that an Iran-friendly government in Baghdad would jeopardize Iraq’s stability and undermine US-Iraq relations. In recent weeks, Trump has threatened military action against Iran over its deadly crackdown on anti-government protestors. He later stated that Iran had halted hundreds of executions, but Iranian officials denied this.

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Donald Trump and al-Maliki’s Troubled History

Al-Maliki, who was Prime Minister twice from 2006 to 2014, remains a divisive figure. After taking office in 2006, he was initially welcomed by former US President George W. Bush, but ties deteriorated as his government was accused of favoring Shiite organizations while marginalizing Sunnis and Kurds. By 2014, the Obama administration had lost faith in him due to rising sectarian tensions and the rise of the Islamic State group. His political rise comes after interim Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani resigned after failing to form a government despite gaining the largest bloc in Iraq’s recent legislative elections.

The United States expresses deep concerns about Iraq’s political direction.

In a phone discussion with al-Sudani, Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed Washington’s concern, saying that “a government controlled by Iran cannot successfully put Iraq’s own interests first.” Hussain Abdul-Hussain, a think tank analyst, stated that Trump’s public opposition complicated al-Maliki’s chances, but added, “But this is Iraq, so never say never,” emphasizing al-Maliki’s surprising political tenacity.

Military movements contribute to speculation.

The shifting US naval posture has also stoked concerns about potential strikes on Iran. While one aircraft carrier was recently diverted to operations in South America, the USS Abraham Lincoln and her supporting vessels have landed in the Middle East, fueling rumors about possible US intervention.

Meanwhile, Washington continues to encourage Baghdad to rein in Iran-backed militias with strong political and military power. Notably, this is not Trump’s first intervention in another country’s political environment since taking office. Last year, he publicly backed right-wing candidates in Argentina, Honduras, and Poland. His recent warning to Iraq so falls into a larger pattern of active participation in global political movements.