US Secretary of State Marco Rubio warns Iraq against forming a pro-Iranian government as former premier Nouri al-Maliki is poised for a political return, highlighting Washington’s key leverage.
WASHINGTON: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has warned Iraq against forming a pro-Iranian government.
His warning comes as former prime minister Nouri al-Maliki is expected to return to power.
Rubio conveyed the message in a phone call with incumbent Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani on Sunday.
He expressed hope the next government would make Iraq “a force for stability, prosperity and security in the Middle East.”
“The secretary emphasised that a government controlled by Iran cannot successfully put Iraq’s own interests first,” State Department spokesman Tommy Pigott said.
Rubio added such a government could not keep Iraq out of regional conflicts or advance its partnership with the US.
Maliki, who left power in 2014 under US pressure, has been chosen by Iraq’s largest Shiite bloc.
This puts him in line to be nominated as prime minister.
An Iraqi political source told AFP the US had conveyed it “holds a negative view of previous governments led by former prime minister Maliki.”
A US letter stated that while the prime minister selection is an Iraqi decision, Washington “will make its own sovereign decisions regarding the next government in line with American interests.”
The US wields significant leverage over Iraq.
The country’s oil export revenue is largely held at the Federal Reserve Bank in New York under a post-2003 invasion arrangement.
A key US demand is that Iraq prevent a resurgence of Iran-backed Shiite armed groups.
Sudani, in office since 2022, has won US confidence through efforts to curb violence by these groups.
Maliki initially took office in 2006 with US support, backing military efforts against Al-Qaeda in Iraq.
The US later soured on him, believing his sectarian agenda helped give rise to the Islamic State extremist movement.
Iraq’s parliament meets on Tuesday to elect a new president.
The president, who holds a largely ceremonial role, will then appoint a prime minister.
A pro-Iranian government in Baghdad would be a major boost for Tehran.
The clerical state has suffered setbacks at home and in the region recently.
The Islamic republic has killed thousands of Iranians since mass protests erupted in late December.
Since the October 7, 2023 attacks, Israel has also struck Iran directly and heavily hit its ally Hezbollah in Lebanon.
