Sudani holds series of meetings with political leaders as prime ministerial talks begin

BAGHDAD — Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani met Sunday with a series of political leaders to discuss government formation, as the 15-day constitutional clock for naming a prime minister-designate began following the election of President Nizar Amedi.

Sudani met with Badr Organization secretary-general Hadi al-Amiri, Hikma Movement head Ammar al-Hakim and Taqaddum Party head Mohammed al-Halbousi, with all sides calling for forming “a coalition government capable of addressing challenges.”

The prime ministerial question remains unresolved and politically charged. The Coordination Framework nominated former Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki in January, drawing direct U.S. opposition — President Trump warned Washington could halt support for Iraq if Maliki returned to power. A State of Law Coalition official claimed last week that the U.S. chargé d’affaires also conveyed opposition to renewing Sudani’s term, leaving the dominant Shiite alliance without a clear American-approved candidate.

Under Article 76 of the constitution, President Amedi must task the nominee of the largest parliamentary bloc with forming a government within 15 days of taking office.