Trump issues ultimatum to Iraq over possible comeback of ex-PM

US President Donald Trump has warned that Washington will withdraw its support for Iraq if a politician he views as unacceptable returns to the post of prime minister, issuing a direct ultimatum over the possible nomination of Nouri al-Maliki.

According to Caliber.Az, Trump made the remarks in a post on the Truth Social platform, expressing strong opposition to al-Maliki’s potential comeback.

"I’m hearing that the Great Country of Iraq might make a very bad choice by reinstalling Nouri al-Maliki as Prime Minister. Last time Maliki was in power, the Country descended into poverty and total chaos. That should not be allowed to happen again. Because of his insane policies and ideologies, 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. MAKE IRAQ GREAT AGAIN!" Trump wrote.

Earlier, on January 24, Iraq’s Shia Coordination Framework announced that it had selected al-Maliki, the leader of the Islamic Dawa Party, as its candidate for prime minister, citing his “political and administrative experience and his role in managing the state.”

Al-Maliki, now 75, is a central figure in Iraqi politics. He first assumed the premiership in 2006, at a time when the country was spiralling into instability and violence following the US-led invasion in 2003.

He left office in 2014 after ISIL (ISIS) seized large areas of Iraqi territory. Despite stepping down, he has remained an influential political force, heading the State of Law coalition and maintaining close relations with Iran-backed factions.

The nomination opens the door to negotiations on forming a new government, which will face the challenge of managing powerful armed groups aligned with Iran, including Asaib Ahl al-Haq, while also dealing with increasing pressure from Washington to dismantle them.

Al-Maliki served as Iraq’s prime minister from 2006 to 2014.

By Tamilla Hasanova