President Trump issued a stark warning to Iraq on Tuesday, threatening to end American support if the nation reinstates controversial former Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, citing his alleged corruption and dangerous ties to Iran.

Trump’s Direct Warning to Iraq

Writing on Truth Social, Trump declared that if al-Maliki returns to power, “the United States of America will no longer help Iraq.” The president warned that without American assistance, Iraq has “ZERO chance of Success, Prosperity, or Freedom.” Trump’s statement came as the Iraqi parliament prepared to elect a president who would then appoint the prime minister, though the Tuesday session was ultimately canceled due to a lack of quorum.

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Al-Maliki quickly responded Wednesday, rejecting what he called “blatant American interference in Iraq’s internal affairs.” The 75-year-old politician from the Shiite Islamist Dawa Party has secured backing from the Coordination Framework, the largest parliamentary bloc consisting of Shia parties. His candidacy emerged after the current caretaker Prime Minister al-Sudani withdrew despite winning the most seats in November’s elections.

Iran Connection Raises Alarm

The Trump administration’s opposition centers on al-Maliki’s close relationship with Iran, which the State Department designates as a state sponsor of terrorism. Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized to al-Sudani that “a government controlled by Iran cannot successfully put Iraq’s own interests first.” Former Iraqi official Entifadh Qanbar revealed that Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei personally endorsed al-Maliki’s nomination, highlighting Tehran’s extensive influence over Iraqi politics.

Historical Context and Stakes

Al-Maliki’s previous tenure as prime minister from 2006 to 2014 was marked by sectarian violence and security failures that contributed to the rise of ISIS. His administration faced criticism for excluding Iraqi Kurds and Sunni Muslims while favoring Shiite interests. The Obama administration grew increasingly frustrated with his leadership before his departure in 2014. Current concerns focus on whether Iran’s influence could once again destabilize the region and undermine American interests in the Middle East.