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22h ago

U.S. Pressure Hangs Over Iraq’s Coalition Talks as Militia-Linked Bloc Seeks to Pick Prime Minister

Ratified results trigger looming deadlines that heighten a standoff over keeping Iran-aligned factions out of top posts.

Iraqi prime minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani speaks during an event to mark the end of the U.N. political mission in Baghdad, Iraq, Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Hadi Mizban)
FILE - Election workers count ballots as they close a polling station, during the parliamentary elections in Baghdad, Iraq, Nov. 11, 2025. (AP Photo/Hadi Mizban, File)
FILE - Election workers gather parliamentary election ballots after the polls closed in Baghdad, Iraq, Nov. 11, 2025. (AP Photo/Hadi Mizban, File)
A sense of normalcy has returned to Iraq after decades of turmoil, but much hangs on delicate colaition negotiations following November's elections

Overview

  • U.S. officials have warned Iraqi parties not to choose a prime minister tied to an armed faction and cautioned against militia-aligned figures taking key security ministries, according to Iraqi officials.
  • The Coordination Framework holds a parliamentary majority bolstered by factions with armed wings, including Asaib Ahl al-Haq, which won 27 seats, with more than 100 seats overall tied to groups with militias.
  • Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani’s bloc leads with 46 seats but lacks a majority, and analysts say the Coordination Framework is unlikely to back him for a second term.
  • Following the Dec. 14 ratification of election results, parliament faces statutory deadlines to elect a speaker, choose a president, and task a prime minister with forming a cabinet.
  • Washington continues to press Baghdad to dismantle Iran-backed groups and has sanctioned Iraqi entities and banks, even as the PMF remains formally within the security apparatus yet operates with significant autonomy.