The US has warmed to Zaidi after opposing former Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, who almost became prime minister in February.

US Again Demands Iraq End Maliki Nomination, Or Else Authored by Jason Ditz via AntiWar.com, Iraq's Coordination Framework is still putting forward Nouri al-Maliki as its candidate for prime minister, despite President Trump loudly and repeatedly demand he be withdrawn. The US had reportedly set a deadline of Friday, February 27, to end the candidacy or face unspecified repercussions. What happens next, after the US has attacked Tehran, is anyone's guess. If that sounds familiar...

Trump tells Iraq’s parliament that reinstating Maliki would risk chaos, poverty, and undermine US support.

Former President Trump has reportedly threatened Iraq with severe sanctions if Nouri al-Maliki is elected to a third term as Prime Minister.

Nouri al-Maliki’s party in Iraq is reportedly insisting on its prime ministerial nomination, facing both internal and US pressure. The political maneuvering highlights challenges in forming a new government.

The US has opposed the return of Nouri al-Maliki as Iraq's prime minister.

The US issued a Friday ultimatum to Baghdad: form a government without Iranian influence or face sanctions. Washington specifically targeted the nomination of Nouri al-Maliki for Prime Minister.

Initially, it appeared that former prime minister Nouri al-Maliki would become the new prime minister.

Iraqi Prime Minister candidate Nouri al-Maliki met with American diplomat Tom Barrack after refusing to withdraw his nomination, despite a US threat.

Nouri al-Maliki vows not to withdraw bid for Iraq’s premiership despite US threats  PressTV