Nouri Al-Maliki, head of the State of Law Coalition, greets attendees during a political gathering in Baghdad.
Maliki says Iraq capable of ‘stability and reform’ in Ramadan message
BAGHDAD — State of Law Coalition leader and Prime Minister candidate Nouri al-Maliki said Thursday that Iraq remains capable of moving toward stability, reconstruction and reform, in a Ramadan message posted on his X account.
“Blessed Ramadan to our dear Iraqi people,” Maliki wrote. “We ask God that this holy month be an opportunity to strengthen our national unity and to reinforce the values of solidarity and mutual support among the people of one homeland.”
The office of Shiite Grand Ayatollah Ali Al-Sistani in Najaf announced Thursday as the first day of the month of Ramadan. The announcement followed earlier declarations by Iraq’s Sunni Endowment Office and the Kurdistan Region’s Ministry of Endowments and Religious Affairs, which named Wednesday as the first day of Ramadan after confirming the sighting of the crescent moon.
He added that Iraq’s victory over terrorism demonstrates its ability to overcome future challenges. “Iraq, which triumphed over terrorism through the blood of its martyrs and the sacrifices of its people, is capable of moving forward steadily toward stability, construction and reform,” he said.
Iraq is in the process of forming its next government following the November 2025 parliamentary elections, which produced a fragmented legislature and renewed negotiations among the country’s major political blocs.
The Shiite Coordination Framework, which declared itself the largest bloc after the elections, nominated former prime minister al-Maliki as its candidate for the premiiership. Maliki, who served as prime minister from 2006 to 2014, remains an influential figure within the alliance. However, his nomination has exposed internal divisions within the framework.
The United States has publicly signaled strong opposition to Maliki’s potential return to office. President Donald Trump warned that Washington could halt support for Iraq if Maliki becomes prime minister again, describing such a development as a “very bad choice.”