Former Iraqi prime minister Nouri al-Maliki has rejected threats from United States President Donald Trump, who warned that Washington would withdraw support for Iraq if al-Maliki returns to power. Al-Maliki, recently nominated by Iraq's largest political bloc, denounced what he called 'blatant American interference' and vowed to continue seeking the premiership. The political standoff comes after Iraq's caretaker prime minister stepped aside, and a scheduled parliamentary session to elect a new president was canceled due to lack of quorum.

Trump's warnings, echoed in a message from a senior United States diplomat, have heightened tensions within Iraq's ruling coalition, some of whose pro-Iran militias have rallied behind al-Maliki. Analysts say the United States could impose sanctions or restrict Iraq's access to dollars if al-Maliki returns, but a compromise candidate could still emerge. Despite the turmoil, cooperation between the United States and Iraq continues, including the recent transfer of Islamic State group detainees from Syria to Iraq.