Iran’s Qaani says Iraq PM choice ‘purely Iraqi decision’ during Baghdad visit

BAGHDAD — Iranian Quds Force commander Esmail Qaani said Monday his visit to Baghdad was to convey Iran’s “appreciation and thanks” to Iraq for its support and solidarity during the regional conflict, and insisted that the selection of Iraq’s next prime minister “is carried out solely based on an Iraqi decision.”

“Iraq is greater than for others, especially criminals against humanity, to interfere in its affairs,” Qaani said, in remarks widely read as a rebuke of U.S. pressure over the prime ministerial race.

The statement lands as the Coordination Framework meets Monday at the office of Hikma Movement leader Ammar al-Hakim with the sole agenda item of deciding its prime ministerial candidate.

The Dawa Party reaffirmed Sunday that Nouri al-Maliki’s nomination remains in place and has not been withdrawn, insisting any change must follow the same mechanism used to select him. That nomination drew direct U.S. opposition, with President Trump warning Washington could reconsider support for Iraq if Maliki were appointed. Current Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani has emerged as the leading alternative within the framework, with factions including Hikma, Sadiqoun and Abadi’s bloc said to back him. President Nizar Amedi has 15 days under Article 76 of the constitution to task the largest bloc’s nominee with forming a government.