Iraq's Ruling Coalition to Discuss US Warnings

Asharq Al-Awsat

28-02-2025

Iraq's ruling coalition is set to hold an emergency meeting to discuss the implications of a recent phone call between US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani.
Following the conversation, the US State Department released a statement urging Iraq to 'limit Iran's malign influence' and ensure its energy independence. Political sources in Baghdad suggest that leaders within the Coordination Framework, a coalition of pro-Iran factions, perceive Rubio's remarks as a direct threat to Iraq's political stability. Concerns are also rising over potential US sanctions targeting individuals, institutions, or banks.
Uday al-Khadran, a senior figure in the Coordination Framework, stated that Iraq has consistently worked to maintain neutrality in regional conflicts. He expected the coalition to convene an emergency meeting in the coming days to evaluate Washington's warnings and strategize on avoiding potential sanctions.
US State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce confirmed that Rubio and Sudani agreed to maintain dialogue on regional developments.
In turn, David Schenker, former Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs, remarked that Iraq's role in US foreign policy is closely linked to former President Donald Trump's maximum pressure campaign against Iran. Speaking at the Erbil Forum, Schenker emphasized that Iraq is currently not a top priority for Washington.
On February 1, Trump signed a presidential memorandum reinstating the maximum pressure policy, aiming to block Iran's nuclear ambitions and curb its regional influence. He also stressed the importance of preventing Iran from exploiting Iraq's financial system.
For his part, Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein reiterated Baghdad's commitment to maintaining balanced relations with both Washington and Tehran. He highlighted Iraq's adherence to its security agreement with Iran while continuing strategic talks with the US.
Hussein revealed that Washington has pressured Baghdad to halt gas imports from Iran and consider additional measures to weaken Tehran's influence.
He also noted that attacks by armed factions on coalition forces have ceased due to shifting regional dynamics, while acknowledging that disarming these groups remains a complex challenge that requires internal political dialogue.
The US maintains around 2,500 troops in Iraq as part of the international coalition against ISIS, alongside 1,000 additional troops from allied nations stationed at key bases such as Ain al-Asad and Harir in the Kurdistan region.
While Iraq had previously announced the conclusion of the coalition's mission, Sudani has indicated that negotiations for a new security agreement with Washington are underway.