The Sadiqoun Bloc reaffirmed its position against nominating Nouri al-Maliki as Iraq’s next prime minister. The Sadiqoun Bloc stance remains guided by the Coordination Framework criteria. The bloc responded to claims suggesting it changed its view following a tweet by US President Donald Trump.
Hussein al-Sheihani, a member of Sadiqoun’s political bureau, explained that the framework clearly defines standards for selecting a prime minister. All Coordination Framework members, including al-Maliki, agreed on these standards. He emphasized that the Sadiqoun Bloc stance has not changed. The movement has not approved any nomination yet.
The framework’s main principles include following guidance from the supreme religious authority, achieving national consensus, and protecting Iraq’s international interests. These rules remain valid and non-negotiable. Previously, al-Maliki appeared on a list of nine candidates, based solely on committee nominations assessing candidates against the framework criteria.
The bloc expressed willingness to support government formation to preserve Coordination Framework unity. However, al-Sheihani clarified that this support does not equal full endorsement of al-Maliki. “We aim to prevent fragmentation while maintaining our reservations regarding the framework standards,” he said.
Al-Sheihani confirmed that Asaib leader Qais al-Khazali will not sign a formal nomination for al-Maliki if requested. Nevertheless, if al-Maliki wins majority support and forms a government without objections, the Sadiqoun Bloc could grant confidence to the cabinet. Granting confidence does not automatically mean joining the government.
Finally, al-Sheihani warned that the Sadiqoun Bloc may withhold confidence if unsuitable ministers appear. He added that the US chargé d’affaires reportedly told al-Maliki to respect Washington’s position or face consequences.
This statement reinforces the Sadiqoun Bloc stance. Analysts note that the bloc balances national rules while navigating internal and external political pressures.
