Nouri al-Maliki Slams US Meddling in Iraq’s Internal Affairs

BAGHDAD — Nouri Al-Maliki, the former prime minister of Iraq, declared on Wednesday that he opposes US meddling in the country’s domestic affairs after US President Donald Trump threatened to shut off help to the nation if Maliki was chosen.

“I will continue working until we reach the end, in a manner that serves the supreme interests of the Iraqi people,” Nouri Al-Maliki wrote in a post on X.

Nouri Al-Maliki stated that he “categorically rejects” American intervention in Iraqi internal affairs, seeing it as an attack on the country’s independence and a breach of Iraqi sovereignty.

“The selection of the position of Prime Minister is a purely sovereign decision and does not accept any foreign interference in it,” he continued.

He reaffirmed his determination to fight “until the end” in support of the greater interests of the Iraqi people and in accordance with the Shiite Coordination Framework, the powerful parliamentary bloc that put him forward as their prime ministerial candidate.

The comments were made the day after Trump wrote on Truth Social that if Maliki were to be restored as prime minister, the US would “no longer help Iraq.”

Trump warned that without US assistance, Iraq would have “ZERO chance of Success, Prosperity, or Freedom,” characterizing Maliki’s prior administration (2006–2014) as having brought the nation into “poverty and total chaos” as a result of “insane policies and ideologies.”

Following the November 2025 parliamentary elections and the departure of interim Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani from the contest earlier this month, Maliki was nominated by the Coordination Framework, a coalition of Shiite parties.

The bloc’s decision was largely influenced by Maliki’s vast administrative and political expertise. Maliki has maintained considerable influence in Iraq’s Shiite political landscape as the head of the State of Law Coalition and a leading member of the Islamic Dawa Party. He has also maintained connections with groups that support Iran’s objectives.

Long-standing worries over Iranian influence in Iraq are reflected in the US stance. Trump’s remarks are consistent with previous correspondence, such as a recent call from Secretary of State Marco Rubio to Sudani, in which Rubio stressed that Iraq’s interests could not be prioritized or a positive alliance with Washington could not be maintained by a government thought to be under Iranian control.

According to reports, US officials have frequently cautioned Iraqi leaders about possible penalties or withheld assistance if groups with ties to Iran take center stage in the incoming administration.

Nouri Al-Maliki has consistently supported non-interference in Iraqi affairs. He was prime minister during a turbulent time characterized by sectarian tensions, the withdrawal of US soldiers in 2011, and the eventual development of ISIS in 2014. His position is in line with the views of some Iraqi political players who see US pressure as an infringement on their country’s sovereignty, which was formed within the democratic framework that was built after 2003.