Washington has issued an ultimatum to Baghdad, demanding Iraq establish a new government without Iranian interference by Friday or risk facing sanctions, according to reports from Saudi television network Al-Hadath.
The controversy revolves around Shi’ite political parties nominating former Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki to return to power. Intelligence suggests al-Maliki maintains strong connections with Iran. President Donald Trump publicly rejected al-Maliki’s candidacy on Truth Social just days after the nomination was announced on January 27.
Saudi media reports indicate American officials have warned Iraqi leadership that missing this week’s deadline could result in punitive actions. Sources within Iraq confirm that Baghdad received an official communication stating that sanctions targeting specific individuals and organizations could be implemented if al-Maliki’s nomination moves forward.
Tom Barrack, the US envoy who took over Iraq responsibilities after Mark Savaya left in January, made public statements following discussions with current Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani. Barrack wrote on X: “Fruitful meeting with Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani discussing continued Iraqi goals and objectives to build a sovereign, stable and prosperous future that aligns with a desire and plan for peace and prosperity in the region. The necessity of effective leadership that aligns itself with the policies and practices of further stabilization for Iraq and the Iraqi people is key to our mutual goals.”
Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein stated that the Coordination Framework, the Shiite coalition supporting Maliki, continues backing his candidacy. During discussions in Baghdad with US envoy Barrack, Hussein stressed the significance of preserving dialogue and cooperation during the upcoming period until Iraq’s government formation concludes, according to a Foreign Ministry statement released through state news agency INA.
Middle East Broadcasting Networks reports that divisions exist within the Coordination Framework regarding whether to pursue Maliki’s nomination. Though al-Maliki wields considerable political power from his two previous terms leading the country, certain coalition members worry that pushing for his comeback might damage relationships with Washington when Iraq requires ongoing international support to address economic and security challenges.
Al-Maliki has dismissed suggestions that outside pressure should influence the decision. He has stated that any choice to step aside must originate from the Coordination Framework directly, maintaining that the prime minister position represents a political entitlement determined by parliamentary dynamics rather than foreign interference.
