Former Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi
Kadhimi calls for Iraqi-led dialogue, says Trump tweet ‘interference’ but not the only kind
BAGHDAD — Former Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi called on political forces to resolve the current deadlock through Iraqi-led dialogue and to reconsider the mechanism for selecting the prime minister.
In a televised interview on Al-Ahad channel, Kadhimi said Iraq’s political crisis predates President Donald Trump’s tweet opposing Nouri al-Maliki’s nomination, describing the tweet as “a reaction to the Iraqi political situation.”
“Trump’s tweet is interference in Iraqi sovereignty, but the interference is not only American; there are many parties that interfere in Iraqi affairs,” he said.
Kadhimi called for “Iraqi-Iraqi dialogue,” saying the current impasse over selecting the prime minister and president “can be resolved through Iraqi-Iraqi dialogue instead of resorting to parties that impose dictates that are not in the interest of Iraqis.”
Addressing disagreements within the Coordination Framework over Maliki’s nomination, Kadhimi said, “It is unreasonable for a dispute to occur after the tweet over the name of the prime minister.”
He urged political forces to respond to what he described as regional changes. “There is a wave of change sweeping the region,” he said.
Referring to sociologist Ali al-Wardi, Kadhimi said there are three options in dealing with change: “to stand against it and be swept away, to surrender to it and lose your identity, or to integrate.” He said Iraq must “integrate” with the change.
Kadhimi renewed his call to amend the political system, saying Iraq has experienced repeated government formation crises, including a 10-month delay in 2010. “We tried the parliamentary system during the monarchy. Nuri al-Said was prime minister 14 times but for short periods,” he said.
He called for the direct election of the prime minister by the people, proposing either a presidential system or direct election of the premier.
On relations with the Kurdistan Region, Kadhimi said, “The Kurds have a special status; they are part of the state. We must enter into genuine dialogue with our Kurdish brothers, grant them greater powers, and let them govern themselves within a federal system.”
The Coordination Framework nominated Maliki following the 2025 elections. Trump has warned that Washington could halt support for Iraq if Maliki returns to office.