Former Iraqi prime ministerial candidate Nouri al-Maliki responded to a threat by former US president Donald Trump to halt aid to Iraq if he returns to power.

In a post on X, al-Maliki firmly rejected what he described as blatant US interference in Iraq’s internal affairs.

He said, “We consider this a violation of Iraq’s sovereignty, a breach of the democratic system established after 2003, and an infringement on the decision of the Coordination Framework to choose its nominee for the post of prime minister.”

He added that “dialogue between states is the only political option in dealing with such matters, rather than resorting to the language of dictates and threats.”

Donald Trump. (AFP)

He concluded by saying, “Out of respect for the national will and for the decision of the Coordination Framework, which is guaranteed by the Iraqi constitution, I will continue working until we reach the end, in a way that serves the supreme interests of the Iraqi people.”

In his warning just days ago, Trump said that “the last time al-Maliki was in power, the country sank into poverty and complete chaos. This must not be repeated.” He added, “Because of his crazy policies and ideologies, if he is elected, the United States of America will not provide any assistance to Iraq in the future.”

On Saturday, the Coordination Framework, made up of Shiite parties close to Tehran and forming the largest bloc in parliament, announced the nomination of al-Maliki for the post of prime minister.

Al-Maliki, 75, previously headed the government from 2006 to 2014, serving two terms marked by key milestones in the country’s recent history.

On Tuesday, the Iraqi parliament postponed a session to elect a president at the request of the two main Kurdish parties, which asked for more time to agree on a candidate, according to the official Iraqi News Agency.