Barzani receives Dawa Party delegation amid government formation talks

ERBIL — Kurdistan Democratic Party leader Masoud Barzani received a senior delegation from Iraq’s Dawa Party on Saturday in Pirmam, according to a statement from his media office.

Discussions centered on Iraq’s political landscape and regional developments. Participants stressed “the importance of relations and coordination between the parties to overcome problems and challenges.”

The meeting comes amid heightened political debate following the nomination of former Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki as a candidate for premier by the Shiite Coordination Framework after the 2025 elections.

Maliki is the head of the Islamic Dawa Party.

His candidacy has faced reservations from some factions within the Coordination Framework, while several Sunni political figures have publicly expressed opposition to his return.

President Donald Trump has warned that Washington could halt support for Iraq if Maliki returns as prime minister.