Hamoudi, Amiri meet to discuss PM candidate as constitutional breach continues

BAGHDAD — Islamic Supreme Council of Iraq head Humam Hamoudi met Monday with Badr Organization Secretary-General Hadi al-Amiri to discuss political dialogue on naming a prime minister candidate, as Iraq entered a second day of constitutional breach after the Coordination Framework missed its deadline.

The two sides discussed “the direction of political dialogues on the path to naming a candidate for prime minister, and the importance of reaching a sound vision that aligns with internal and external challenges and national specificities,” a statement from Hamoudi’s office said. Both stressed the need to maintain consensus within the framework and preserve its unity as a basis for forming a government capable of implementing its programs.

Divisions within the bloc persist. The Dawa Party maintains Maliki remains its official nominee and that his candidacy “has not been withdrawn,” while rival factions say eight blocs back incumbent Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani against four for Maliki. Basim al-Badri and Ihsan al-Awadi remain under consideration as alternatives. Maliki has faced mounting pressure to withdraw but has refused to do so formally. Trump warned Washington could reconsider support for Iraq if Maliki became prime minister, with the Foreign Ministry citing an “explicit hint” of sanctions.