Peregraf — Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke today with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shiaa al-Sudani, emphasizing that Iraq must maintain independence from Iranian influence to fully protect its national interests and advance its partnership with the United States.
According to Principal Deputy Spokesperson Tommy Pigott, Rubio commended Iraq’s initiative in expediting the transfer and detention of ISIS terrorists to secure facilities in Iraq, following recent instability in northeast Syria. He also discussed ongoing diplomatic efforts to ensure countries repatriate their citizens from Iraq to face justice.
The Secretary stressed that a government controlled by Iran cannot successfully put Iraq’s own interests first, keep Iraq out of regional conflicts, or advance the mutually beneficial partnership between the United States and Iraq. Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to supporting Iraq as a force for stability, prosperity, and security in the Middle East, as Baghdad continues deliberations on forming a new government.
On January 24, Iraq’s Coordination Framework announced it has nominated former Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki as its candidate for prime minister, following an expanded leadership meeting held Saturday at the office of Hadi al-Amiri.
The bloc said the decision was approved by a majority vote, citing al-Maliki’s political and administrative experience, and reaffirmed its commitment to the constitutional process.
The Coordination Framework also called on parliament to convene a session to elect the President of the Republic in line with constitutional deadlines.
The Iraqi parliament is expected to elect a president tomorrow. The president then has 15 days to nominate a prime ministerial candidate—typically from the largest parliamentary bloc—who will have 30 days to form a cabinet and present a government program for a confidence vote.