Maliki, top US diplomat in Baghdad meet to discuss government formation

BAGHDAD – State of Law Coalition leader Nouri al-Maliki met Wednesday with U.S. chargé d’affaires in Baghdad Joshua Harris to discuss political and security developments in Iraq and the wider region, including talks to form a new government.

According to a statement from Maliki’s office, the two sides reviewed the conduct and outcomes of Iraq’s Nov. 11 parliamentary elections and ongoing consultations to establish what Maliki described as “a strong government that addresses all outstanding issues internally and externally and enhances Iraq’s relations with the world and the United States.”

Iraq held its sixth parliamentary election since 2003 on Nov. 11, 2025, electing 329 members of the Council of Representatives. The Independent High Electoral Commission reported turnout of 56.11%, higher than in the 2021 vote.

Maliki stressed the importance of strengthening economic and trade cooperation between Baghdad and Washington, referring to the U.S.-Iraq Strategic Framework Agreement. He voiced support for the work of American companies in Iraq, saying their activities serve the shared interests of both countries.

Harris affirmed the U.S. government’s commitment to boosting bilateral relations and maintaining “balanced ties” with all political groups and leaders in Iraq, the statement said.

Maliki is a senior Iraqi politician and the current head of the State of Law Coalition. He served as Iraq’s prime minister from 2006 to 2014.