US demands 'fully independent' Iraq government, warns of tools to counter Iran

US Chargé d'Affaires Joshua Harris has issued a forceful call for Iraqi sovereignty, declaring that any incoming administration must remain "fully independent" and prioritize the national interests of all Iraqis. Speaking Wednesday during meetings with National Approach Alliance leader Abdul Hussein Al-Musawi, Harris also warned Washington stands ready to utilize "the full range of tools to counter Iran's destabilizing activities in Iraq," according to an embassy statement.

Open Confrontation Over Maliki Candidacy

The diplomatic offensive directly targets Nouri al-Maliki, head of the State of Law Coalition, whose nomination by the Coordination Framework has drawn explicit opposition from President Donald Trump. The White House has threatened to suspend support for Baghdad should Maliki, who served two terms from 2006 to 2014, return to premiership. The Coordination Framework, Iraq's largest Shiite political alliance, has maintained its backing for Maliki despite American pressure, with the former prime minister denouncing Washington's stance as "blatant interference" in Iraqi internal affairs.

Context of US-Iraq Relations

Maliki's previous tenure coincided with the rise of Daesh/ISIS, which captured nearly one-third of Iraqi territory before being defeated in 2017. Iraq's November 2025 parliamentary elections recorded 56.11% turnout, with newly elected lawmakers now tasked with selecting a president and granting confidence to a new government. The US embassy emphasized the importance of a bilateral partnership delivering "tangible benefits for Americans and Iraqis" through shared interests in safeguarding sovereignty, regional stability, and economic ties.