Baghdad: US Charge d'Affaires in Baghdad Joshua Harris stated that any future Iraqi government "should remain fully independent" and prioritize the national interests of all Iraqis, as announced by the US Embassy on Thursday. Harris emphasized the United States' readiness to use all available tools to counter Iran's destabilizing activities in Iraq during a meeting with Abdul Hussein Al-Musawi, head of the National Approach Alliance, on Wednesday.

According to Anadolu Agency, discussions highlighted the significance of a robust US-Iraq partnership that benefits both nations while advancing shared interests, safeguarding Iraqi sovereignty, bolstering regional stability, and strengthening economic ties. The US has voiced opposition to the nomination of Nouri al-Maliki, head of Iraq's State of Law Coalition, with President Donald Trump threatening to withdraw support if Maliki returns to power.

Maliki was nominated by the Coordination Framework, Iraq's largest Shiite political alliance, to become the country's new prime minister following last year's parliamentary elections. Despite Trump's warning, the Coordination Framework has continued to support Maliki, who criticized the US stance as "blatant interference" in Iraq's internal affairs.

Maliki's previous tenure as prime minister, from 2006 to 2014, was marked by significant security challenges, particularly the rise of the ISIS (Daesh) terror group, which captured nearly a third of Iraq's territory before being defeated by Baghdad in 2017. Iraq held parliamentary elections on Nov. 11, 2025, with a voter turnout of 56.11%. Elected lawmakers are tasked with choosing the president and granting confidence to the government.