We’ll Withdraw Total Support if Iraq Reinstates al-Maliki, Trump Warns
We’ll Withdraw Total Support if Iraq Reinstates al-Maliki, Trump Warns
US President, Donald Trump has issued a stark warning to Iraq, stating that the United States will completely withdraw its financial and military support if former Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki is reinstated to the country’s top office.
This ultimatum follows the recent nomination of al-Maliki by Iraq’s largest Shia bloc as their preferred candidate for the premiership.
The warning marks a significant escalation in the Trump administration’s Middle East policy, which has been increasingly focused on curbing Iranian influence.
Washington views al-Maliki as a close ally of Tehran and a figure whose previous tenure was defined by sectarian divisions that ultimately contributed to the rise of ISIL (ISIS) in 2014.
During a public address regarding the shifting political landscape in Baghdad, Trump made his position clear, emphasizing that the U.S. would not subsidize a government it deems hostile to its interests. He signaled that a return to al-Maliki’s leadership would be a “red line” for the continuation of the bilateral partnership.
Specifically addressing the potential for renewed cooperation with a government led by the former Prime Minister, Donald Trump stated: “If they bring back al-Maliki, we are out. We are not going to spend billions of dollars to support a puppet of Iran who has already proven he can only bring chaos to that region.”
The threat of a total withdrawal of support comes at a precarious time for Iraq, which is currently navigating a complex government-forming process after the withdrawal of the incumbent Prime Minister, Mohammed Shia al-Sudani. The country remains heavily reliant on U.S. assistance for security operations and economic stabilization.
In addition to the threat of pulling support, the U.S. administration has signaled it may impose sanctions if the Iraqi parliament proceeds with al-Maliki’s appointment.
This move is part of a broader “maximum pressure” strategy intended to force Baghdad to distance itself from Iran’s regional military and political apparatus.
Regional analysts warn that this standoff could lead to a total breakdown in U.S.-Iraq relations, potentially leaving a power vacuum for other regional actors to fill. As Kurdish and Sunni blocs continue to negotiate with the Shia majority, the threat of losing American backing has become a central and divisive issue in the race for the premiership.
