Rubio warns Iraq on Iran ties as Maliki sets return

Rubio warns Iraq against pro-Iranian government as Nouri al-Maliki's potential return raises U.S. concerns over stability.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned Iraq on Sunday (January 25, 2026) against a pro-Iranian government as the expected return of Nouri al-Maliki as Prime Minister stirs Washington's concern.

Mr. Maliki, who left power in 2014 following heated pressure from the United States, has been chosen by Iraq's largest Shiite bloc, which would put him in line to be nominated Prime Minister.

Mr. Rubio, in a telephone call with incumbent Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, voiced hope the next government will work to make Iraq "a force for stability, prosperity and security in the Middle East."

"The secretary emphasised 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," Mr. Rubio said, according to State Department spokesman Tommy Pigott.

A pro-Iranian government in Iraq would be a rare boon for Tehran's clerical state after it suffered major setbacks at home and in the region.

The Islamic republic has killed thousands of Iranians since mass protests erupted in late December.