Shafaq News- Baghdad (Updated at 18:30)

Former Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, and head of the State of Law Coalition, discussed on Friday the formation of Iraq’s next government during his meeting with US Special Envoy Tom Barrack in Baghdad.

According to a statement from al-Maliki’s media office, the former PM stressed the need to safeguard Iraq’s sovereignty and support the democratic process while strengthening political stability. The meeting also addressed maintaining open lines of communication and coordinating on issues of shared concern.

“Barrack underlined Iraq’s pivotal role in easing regional tensions, promoting dialogue, and combating terrorism,” the statement added.

Earlier today, Reuters reported that Barrack met with al-Maliki, the Shiite Coordination Framework (CF)’s nominee for premier, though no details were provided regarding the location or content of the meeting.

The discussion comes amid ongoing US opposition to al-Maliki’s possible return to power. A State Department spokesperson previously informed Shafaq News that President Donald Trump’s position remains unchanged, cautioning that al-Maliki’s selection could prompt Washington to reevaluate its ties with Baghdad.

Within the CF, Iraq's largest bloc, a senior official revealed to Shafaq News that the US-imposed deadline for withdrawing al-Maliki’s candidacy was due to expire on the evening of February 27. In remarks to Agence France-Presse (AFP), al-Maliki made clear he would not withdraw, asserting that any shift in position would have to originate from the political bloc that nominated him.

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