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US President Donald Trump said Iraq had suffered "poverty and total chaos" during Maliki's previous tenure and argued that a return to power would have severe consequences for Baghdad's relationship with Washington.
Trump said Maliki’s leadership had weakened Iraq in the past.(File Photo: Reuters)
New Delhi,UPDATED: Jan 28, 2026 05:32 IST
Amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, US President Donald Trump warned that Washington would withdraw its support for Iraq if the country reinstates former Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki. He described such a move as a "very bad choice" that could plunge the nation back into instability.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump said Iraq had suffered "poverty and total chaos" during Maliki’s previous tenure and argued that a return to power would have severe consequences for Baghdad’s relationship with Washington.
"I’m hearing that the Great Country of Iraq might make a very bad choice by reinstalling Nouri al-Maliki as Prime Minister," Trump wrote. "Last time Maliki was in power, the Country descended into poverty and total chaos. That should not be allowed to happen again."
RUBIO WARNS IRAQ AGAINST PRO-IRAN GOVERNMENT
Trump said Maliki’s leadership had weakened Iraq in the past and claimed the former leader’s policies and ideology would again derail the country’s future.
"Because of his insane policies and ideologies, if elected, the United States of America will no longer help Iraq," Trump said, adding that without US support, Iraq would have "ZERO chance of Success, Prosperity, or Freedom."
Maliki served as Iraq’s Prime Minister from 2006 to 2014, a period marked by sectarian violence, political instability and the rise of militant groups. His possible return to a senior leadership role has remained a divisive issue in Iraqi politics.
Earlier on Sunday, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio also cautioned Iraq against forming a pro-Iranian government, as the possible return of Nouri al-Maliki continues to raise concerns in Washington.
In a phone call with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani, Rubio said he hoped the next government would work to make Iraq a force for stability, prosperity and security in the Middle East.
According to State Department spokesman Tommy Pigott, Rubio stressed that "a government controlled by Iran cannot successfully put Iraq’s own interests first, keep Iraq out of regional conflicts or advance the mutually beneficial partnership between the United States and Iraq."
- Ends
With inputs from agencies
Published By:
Satyam Singh
Published On:
Jan 28, 2026
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