Overview
- The Coordination Framework named the former two‑term premier as its candidate, citing his experience and role managing the state.
- Caretaker Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al‑Sudani withdrew his bid earlier this month and threw his support behind al‑Maliki.
- The bloc urged lawmakers to convene to elect a president, the step that triggers a formal mandate to try to form a cabinet.
- The nomination has split Sunni parties, with a coalition council warning against recycled leadership and the Azm Alliance declaring support.
- U.S. pressure looms, with reports of potential financial penalties if designated pro‑Iran figures enter the cabinet and fresh calls from Washington to curb militias, even as the U.S. begins transferring some ISIS detainees from Syria to Iraqi custody.