The US State Department told Shafaq News: We will use all our tools to prevent Maliki's return.
The US State Department revealed on Thursday evening a firm and strongly worded position regarding the upcoming political alliances map in Iraq, stressing that the US administration is prepared to use "a full range of tools" to ensure the implementation of President Donald Trump's vision regarding the Iraqi issue.
In a special and exclusive response to Shafaq News Agency, the US State Department spokesperson conveyed a direct warning against repeating past governance scenarios, indicating that current US policy requires an Iraqi government capable of working "effectively and respectfully" with the United States.
The State Department spokesman also relayed President Trump's warning, which read: "The last time Maliki was in power, the country slid into poverty and chaos... That should not be allowed to happen again."
The American response continued, quoting Trump, that the policies and ideologies he described as "crazy" would lead, if Maliki were re-elected, to a complete cutoff of American aid, warning that "if the United States is not there to help, Iraq will have no chance of success, prosperity, or freedom."
The State Department spokesman concluded by saying, "We have clearly communicated these intentions to the Iraqi political leadership," stressing that Washington is prepared to use "the full range of tools" to enforce this policy and prevent a repeat of governance experiences that harm common interests. LINK
Recent reports from Tehran Times and Bloomberg highlight a growing confrontation between Iraq and the United States—not on the battlefield, but in political and economic arenas.
This is not a minor disagreement. Analysts describe it as a strategic showdown over Iraq’s sovereignty, decision-making independence, and control of its resources.
The real question: Will Iraq assert its autonomy—or succumb to external pressures?
U.S. Pressure on Iraq Over Prime Minister Selection
Headline Takeaway:
Washington tightens the political noose.
The Tehran Times frames current events as the beginning of a
Diplomatic and political pressure: The U.S. is clearly signaling opposition to certain prime minister candidates.
Foreign influence concerns: Iraq’s internal political process is under scrutiny, raising questions about sovereignty.
Strategic positioning: Washington aims to shape Iraq’s leadership and ensure alignment with U.S. interests in the region.
This situation places Iraq in a delicate position—forced to choose between independence and compliance.
Economic Leverage: Oil Revenues as a Political Tool
Headline Takeaway:
Oil revenues become Washington’s leverage.
According to Bloomberg:
The U.S. has warned Iraq that oil revenue could be reduced if Nouri al-Maliki assumes the premiership.
Economic pressure is used strategically to influence political outcomes.
These actions could deeply impact Iraq’s economy and further strain relations with Washington.
Oil is Iraq’s lifeblood, representing the largest source of government revenue. Any threat to this sector is effectively a high-stakes bargaining chip.
Why This Matters
Sovereignty at stake: Iraq must navigate between foreign pressure and internal political demands.
Economic vulnerability: Dependence on oil revenue makes Iraq sensitive to external threats.
Regional implications: A Maliki premiership opposed by Washington could influence broader Middle East dynamics.
Political signaling: U.S. pressure is a warning to other countries about consequences of diverging from U.S. interests.
Featured Snippet: Key Insight
Iraq faces rising U.S. political and economic pressure over its prime minister selection. Washington has used diplomatic influence and threatened oil revenue reductions to sway Baghdad’s decisions, raising serious questions about Iraq’s sovereignty.
A: No, the confrontation is strategic and political, centered on sovereignty, foreign influence, and economic leverage.
Q: Why is Maliki a focal point?
A: His potential return as prime minister is opposed by Washington, which sees him as unfavorable to U.S. regional interests.
Q: How does oil factor in?
A: Iraq’s oil revenue is its largest economic resource. Threats to reduce it serve as a powerful economic tool in negotiations.
Q: What does this mean for Iraq’s sovereignty?
A: Iraq faces pressure to balance domestic decision-making with external influence—a defining test for the country’s autonomy.
Analysis: Strategic Chess in Baghdad
This clash is more chess than conflict:
Washington leverages diplomatic signals, economic warnings, and oil dependence.
Iraq must navigate internal politics, regional interests, and global economic realities.
The outcome could set a precedent for how sovereign nations interact with superpowers under high-pressure conditions.
Final Thoughts: Watching the Battle Unfold
The escalating U.S.–Iraq confrontation is a critical moment for Baghdad.
Political choices now are inseparable from economic consequences. The world should watch closely: the balance of power in Iraq, control of resources, and regional stability are all at stake.
Tehran Times frames the current moment as the start of a deeper and more direct confrontation between Iraq and the U.S.
The conflict is portrayed as strategic rather than military, centered on political independence, foreign influence, and control over decision-making in Baghdad.
The narrative suggests Iraq is being pushed to choose between asserting sovereignty or yielding to external pressure.
U.S. Pressure on Iraq Over Prime Minister Post
Headline takeaway:Washington tightens the political noose.
Summary:
The United States is increasing diplomatic and political pressure on Iraq regarding the selection of its prime minister.
Signals from Washington indicate clear opposition to certain candidates, raising concerns about foreign interference in Iraq’s internal affairs.
This pressure is seen as part of a broader effort to shape Iraq’s political future in line with U.S. interests.
BLOOMBERG
Headline takeaway:Oil revenues become Washington’s leverage.
Summary:
Bloomberg reports that the U.S. has warned Baghdad of potential reductions in oil revenues if Nouri al-Maliki returns to the premiership.
The threat highlights the use of economic and financial tools as leverage in political negotiations.
Such measures could have serious consequences for Iraq’s economy and deepen tensions between Baghdad and Washington.
BAGHDAD INTERNATIONAL FAIR: AN EFFECTIVE PLATFORM FOR CONNECTING IRAQ TO GLOBAL MARKETS
The Baghdad International Fair train has reached the middle of its stations, amidst a wide interaction from Iraqi and international participants, reflecting the importance of this economic event and the real opportunities it holds for cooperation and partnership.
Over the past few days, the exhibition halls have witnessed remarkable activity, including direct meetings and exchanges of experiences between participating companies and delegations, reflecting a shared desire to build mutually beneficial economic relations.
The exhibition continues to play its role as an effective platform for linking the Iraqi market with its regional and international counterparts, and opening new horizons for partnerships that contribute to supporting the national economy and achieving sustainable development.
On its fourth day, the exhibition began its activities by organizing the Iraqi-Bulgarian Forum, which aims to enhance economic cooperation between the two friendly countries.
For his part, the representative of the Iraqi Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Abdul Salam Saddam, considered the forum to be a reflection of the growing importance of Iraq on the global stage, and an affirmation of its position as an important link in its regional and international environment.
Introduction: A Concerning Political and Monetary Signal
Recent commentary from Sandy Ingram highlights growing concerns on two critical fronts:
The continued push to install Nouri al-Maliki as Iraq’s Prime Minister
The potential monetary misstep of pricing Iraq’s Development Road Project services in U.S. dollars instead of Iraqi dinars
Both issues carry serious consequences—not only politically, but economically and monetarily for Iraq’s future.
Maliki, Trump, and Political Miscalculation
Sandy Ingram did not mince words when expressing concern over the apparent effort to force Maliki back into power.
Her warning centers on one key factor: Donald Trump.
“President Trump says things and then changes his mind. He plays chess. He plays politics like mega business.”
This matters because Trump has historically shown zero tolerance for perceived disrespect, especially from foreign governments attempting to bypass U.S. pressure or influence outcomes against American interests.
If Maliki were to return as Prime Minister, it would likely be interpreted by Trump not as coincidence—but as direct defiance.
That is a dangerous gamble.
Why This Matters for Iraq
Iraq is at a fragile crossroads:
Political legitimacy is still forming
Economic reforms are incomplete
Currency reform remains unfinished
Installing a controversial figure like Maliki could:
Trigger renewed U.S. pressure
Jeopardize international confidence
Delay or derail economic normalization
Sandy’s concern is not emotional—it is strategic.
The Development Road Project: A Dollar Trap?
While traveling through Northern Africa, Sandy posed a question that caused immediate alarm:
What if Iraq charges Development Road Project clients in U.S. dollars?
Her reaction was telling:
“My heart dropped.”
Why?
Because yes—technically, Iraq could do that.
Iraq already sells oil in U.S. dollars. From a logistical standpoint, it would not be unreasonable for policymakers to consider pricing transportation, logistics, and transit hub services in dollars as well.
But from a currency reform standpoint, this would be devastating.
Why Dollar Pricing Hurts the Iraqi Dinar
If Iraq were to monetize its most ambitious infrastructure project in USD:
Demand for the IQD remains suppressed
Domestic currency strength is delayed
Revaluation or appreciation becomes harder—not easier
Sandy explains it clearly:
“It doesn’t do anything for their currency—the Iraqi dinar.”
For Iraq to benefit internally, the dinar must:
Move up at least two decimal points
Ideally rise several decimal points to create meaningful purchasing power and profit realization
Dollarization postpones that outcome.
Featured Snippet: Core Insight
Pricing Iraq’s Development Road Project in U.S. dollars would undermine demand for the Iraqi dinar and delay the currency’s necessary appreciation.
Q&A: Key Questions Answered
Q: Can Iraq legally charge for services in U.S. dollars?
A: Yes. Iraq already sells oil in USD, so it is feasible—but not ideal for currency reform.
Q: Why is this bad for the IQD?
A: It removes demand pressure from the dinar, preventing appreciation.
Q: How much does the IQD need to move to matter?
A: Sandy suggests multiple decimal points for meaningful profit realization.
Q: Why is Trump relevant here?
A: Trump views political defiance personally and strategically. A Maliki return could provoke swift retaliation.
The Bigger Picture: Chess, Not Checkers
Sandy Ingram’s commentary reminds us of something crucial:
It seems they are really trying to push Maliki into this PM position. I really am concerned for them pushing President Trump, he says things and then changes his mind. He plays chess. He plays politics like he plays mega business. I don't think they've ever seen him respond to blatant disrespect, which it would be if Maliki becomes the prime minister of Iraq. So I don't mind telling you, I'm overtly concerned.
As I was traveling [To Northern Africa] I thought to myself, what if Iraq charges its [Development Road Project] clients in US dollars? And my heart dropped...Can they do that? Will they do that?
I don't know. I've got to...find out if that's even feasible. They sell oil in US dollars, why would they not possibly at least research the idea of selling the transportation hub services in US dollars...? It doesn't do anything for their currency the Iraqi dinar but the Iraqi dinar would need to come up. It would need to move over at least two decimal points...We need the IQD to move over several decimal points in order to realize some sort of profit.
A LEADER IN THE HIKMA MOVEMENT: MALIKI WILL WITHDRAW AND THE COORDINATION FRAMEWORK WILL REVERT TO THE ORIGINAL SIX NAMES.
Fahd Al-Jubouri, a leader in the National Wisdom Movement, said in a televised interview:
The lack of Kurdish consensus on the presidency is not new. The coordination framework did not obstruct the presidential election . This week will be crucial in selecting candidates for both presidencies . New scenarios regarding al-Maliki’s nomination will be presented and announced tomorrow . The next government should not be headed by a controversial figure, both domestically and internationally . Current circumstances are completely unfavorable for al-Maliki’s nomination as prime minister.
We do not expect al-Maliki to form a government . The religious authority’s stance is part of the political forces’ reservations about al-Maliki . Why didn’t the majority that nominated al-Maliki attend parliament? Al-Maliki will withdraw, and the coordination framework will revert to the original six names.
Badr Organization leader Mu’in al-Kadhimi stated in a televised interview: “There is internal acceptance for the continued nomination of Maliki for Prime Minister . Maliki is capable of monopolizing weapons in the hands of the state . Withdrawing support for Maliki will give Trump the opportunity to expand his influence and will lead to further problems.”
