Iraq in January 2026: the most important developments in politics
In Iraq in January 2026, the choice of a new prime minister dominated politics. On 25 January the Coordination Framework named Nouri al-Maliki as its candidate. On 27 January US President Donald Trump said the United States would end its support for Iraq if Maliki became prime minister, and on 29 January he said he opposed Maliki's return, tying it to Iranian influence. Maliki called this blatant interference and warned against foreign meddling in Iraq's internal affairs, and Iraqi political blocs also denounced Trump's remarks. By 31 January a parliamentary majority backed Maliki despite the threats. Maliki's earlier time as prime minister has been linked to the rise of Islamic State.
The presidency was also contested. Forty-four candidates competed for the post early in the month, and Parliament was due to elect a president on 27 January, but the vote was delayed amid a Kurdish dispute over the candidate.
Regional diplomacy continued. A US envoy met a Syrian Kurdish leader in Erbil on 17 January, and on 22 January Erbil hosted a new round of talks between Damascus and the SDF. Iraq and Syria discussed border security and reopening crossings. Iraq's foreign minister, Fuad Hussein, travelled to Tehran on 18 January to help calm tension between the US and Iran, and on 28 January he said Iran was ready for talks but the US had not yet responded. The US also increased pressure on Iraq to counter Iranian influence.
by WorldBrief & Maksim Micheliov | AI-generated summary
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