WASHINGTON

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday warned that Iraq could face consequences if former Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki is returned to power.

"I’m hearing that the Great Country of Iraq might make a very bad choice by reinstalling Nouri al-Maliki as Prime Minister," Trump said on Truth Social.

Trump claimed that Iraq "descended into poverty and total chaos" when al-Maliki was in power.

"That should not be allowed to happen again. Because of his insane policies and ideologies, if elected, the United States of America will no longer help Iraq and, if we are not there to help, Iraq has zero chance of Success, Prosperity, or Freedom," he added.

Iraq’s parliament is scheduled to elect a new president on Jan. 27. The president will then task the prime ministerial nominee from the largest bloc with forming a government within 15 days.

While al-Maliki’s nomination has drawn support from some Shia and Kurdish figures seeking faster government formation, it has raised concerns among Sunni groups over sectarian tensions and possible policy reversals.

In Washington, the move has intensified worries over Iranian influence, with US officials pointing to al-Maliki’s historical ties to Tehran as a potential threat to bilateral relations and regional security.