Against the backdrop of rising tensions in the Middle East, US President Donald Trump has warned that the United States would end its support for Iraq if the country were to bring back former Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, calling such a move deeply damaging and destabilising.
In a message posted on Truth Social, Trump said Iraq had endured widespread poverty and complete disorder during Maliki’s earlier time in office, and argued that reinstating him would seriously harm Baghdad’s ties with Washington. He described the prospect as a “very bad choice” that could undo whatever progress the country has made.
“I’m hearing that the great country of Iraq may make a very bad decision by reinstalling Nouri al-Maliki as prime minister,” Trump wrote. He added that during Maliki’s previous tenure, Iraq descended into economic hardship and chaos, warning that a repeat of that period must not be allowed.
Trump further claimed that Maliki’s leadership in the past had weakened Iraq and said his policies and ideology would once again derail the country’s future if he returned to power. He asserted that under such circumstances, the United States would withdraw its assistance, arguing that without American support, Iraq would have no realistic path to stability, prosperity, or freedom.
Nouri al-Maliki served as Iraq’s prime minister from 2006 to 2014, a period widely associated with sectarian violence, political turmoil, and the emergence of militant groups. His potential return to a top leadership position remains highly controversial within Iraqi politics and has triggered concern among Iraq’s international partners.
Earlier on Sunday, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio also cautioned Iraq against the formation of a government aligned with Iran, as speculation over Maliki’s possible return continues to unsettle Washington. During a phone call with current Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, Rubio said he hoped Iraq’s next government would work toward stability, security, and economic growth in the region.
According to State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott, Rubio emphasised that a government under Iranian influence would be unable to prioritise Iraq’s national interests, keep the country out of regional conflicts, or advance a mutually beneficial partnership with the United States.
