politics
February 4, 2026
US threatening Iraq over who runs the country
The US has threatened to cut Iraq’s oil-export revenues if former PM Nouri al-Maliki returns to power, according to Bloomberg
TL;DR
- The US has warned Iraq of possible economic repercussions if Nouri al-Maliki returns to power.
- Washington views al-Maliki, nominated for a third term by Iraq's Shiite bloc, as too close to Iran.
- Potential repercussions include financial measures, such as limits on oil-export revenues.
- US President Donald Trump stated Washington would "no longer help Iraq" if al-Maliki returned.
- Al-Maliki denounced the US warnings as "blatant interference" and a sovereign matter.
- Under Iraq's system, the premiership is reserved for a Shiite politician.
- Al-Maliki's past involvement in the "de-Baathification" program is mentioned, with critics suggesting it fueled sectarian violence.
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