Khaberni - Former Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri Al-Maliki, who was nominated by the Coordination Framework Alliance to return to the prime ministership, said he would welcome any decision by the coalition to withdraw his candidacy for the position.
Al-Maliki explained in a televised interview broadcast on Tuesday that if the coalition, which includes several Shiite political blocs, decides to change the candidate for the premiership, he would "respond with open arms".
US President Donald Trump stated on January 27 that Washington would stop supporting Iraq if Al-Maliki, who served as prime minister for most of the period of the war led by the United States in Iraq, returns to the premiership. He noted that this would affect relations between Washington and Baghdad.
Iraqi media reports on Sunday spoke about emerging disagreements within the Coordination Framework amid Al-Maliki's insistence on running for the premiership.
The opposing forces highlight that Al-Maliki's return to the prime ministership reminds them of a period of political and security crises Iraq experienced during his previous terms, while other parties express concerns over possible political and economic repercussions for the country if he returns to the position.
Al-Maliki's candidacy also faces objections from prominent Sunni powers, according to parliamentary sources.
A few days ago, Al-Maliki described Washington's request to exclude him from the candidacy for the premiership as blatant interference in his country's internal affairs, while the Iraqi presidency and political forces rejected what they said were American interventions.
Al-Maliki held the position of prime minister for two consecutive terms between 2006 and 2014.
Washington says it seeks to limit Iran's influence in Iraq's neighborhood and its rejection of Al-Maliki stems from his being considered an ally of Tehran.
