Iraq Shiite Bloc meets on PM pick amid US pressure and Iran role

Baghdad (IraqiNews.com) – A crucial meeting was conducted in Baghdad on Monday by Iraq’s governing Shiite Coordination Framework to decide on a prime ministerial candidate, but disagreements within the coalition have postponed a final choice. Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani, Nouri Al-Maliki, Ammar Al-Hakim, Haider Al-Abadi, Hadi Al-Amiri, and Qais Al-Khazali were among the prominent individuals present at the gathering. Deep internal divisions and conflicting political interests are reflected in the bloc’s inability to come to a consensus on a single candidate after extensive deliberations. The impasse occurs in the face of increasing outside pressure. Washington’s role in the process has been highlighted by U.S. officials who have indicated hostility to some candidates and cautioned that funding for Iraq might be impacted depending on the result. Iran has also been actively involved during this period. The leader of Iran’s Quds Force, Esmail Qaani, recently traveled to Baghdad and spoke with various political groups in an attempt to resolve conflicts and move toward a unanimous candidate. As political leaders negotiate both internal conflicts and foreign influence, Iraq’s place at the hub of regional power dynamics is highlighted by the conflicting engagement of Washington and Tehran. To break the deadlock and proceed with the formation of a government, the Coordination Framework, a coalition of significant Shiite groups, is anticipated to carry on talks in the days ahead. The post Iraq Shiite Bloc meets on PM pick amid US pressure and Iran role appeared first on Iraqi News.

4/20/2026 12:07:52 PM Read more