Trump threatens to end Iraq support over al-Maliki comeback bid tied to Iran influence

Donald Trump threatened to withdraw U.S. support for Iraq if Nouri al-Maliki, a former prime minister, is reinstated. Trump cited al-Maliki's past leadership, claiming it led to poverty and chaos, and alleged his close ties to Iran, a state sponsor of terrorism. Al-Maliki, in turn, accused the U.S. of interfering in Iraq's internal affairs. The U.S. opposes al-Maliki's potential return due to concerns about Iranian influence and his previous term being marked by sectarian violence and the rise of ISIS. A parliamentary session to elect a president, who would then appoint the prime minister, was canceled due to a lack of quorum. Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed concerns to the caretaker Prime Minister al-Sudani about a pro-Iran government seizing control of the Iraqi state.

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