Maliki tells former US diplomat Iraq ready to defend ties with Washington

BAGHDAD — State of Law Coalition leader Nouri al-Maliki said Monday that Iraq remains committed to a “balanced” foreign policy and is prepared to defend its relations and interests with the United States.

The remarks came during a meeting with former U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Victoria Taylor, according to a statement from al-Maliki’s office.

The meeting followed a social media post by President Donald Trump warning that Washington would halt support for Iraq if al-Maliki returned to the premiership — a message Iraqi political figures described as a veto of his nomination.

Al-Maliki said “Iraq and the United States are bound by strong relations,” noting that the two countries signed the Strategic Framework Agreement aimed at enhancing cooperation and supporting Iraq’s capacity-building. He called for activating the agreement “in the near future.”

“Our understanding of strengthening relations comes through sustaining economic partnerships to achieve the interests of the two friendly peoples,” he said.

Al-Maliki said Iraq follows “a balanced policy in its relations with all countries in the region” and that political dialogue aims to complete constitutional requirements for forming a government “capable of meeting the demands of the Iraqi people.”

Iraq’s government formation has stalled since the 2025 elections. Under Article 72 of the constitution, parliament must elect a president within 30 days of its first session — a deadline that has passed. The president then nominates a prime minister candidate.

The Shiite Coordination Framework nominated al-Maliki, who served as prime minister from 2006 to 2014, sparking debate. He stepped down in 2014 under pressure following security failures and the fall of Mosul to the Islamic State group.

National Security Adviser Qassem al-Araji also met with Taylor on Sunday to discuss regional security. Al-Araji stressed “the need to urge countries to restore their ISIS-affiliated nationals who were recently received from Syrian prisons.”