Grand Ayatollah Sistani Declines Interference in Iraq's Prime Minister Selection

Sistani's Office Announces Non-Interference

Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani's office reportedly announced on December 2, 2025, that the revered cleric will not interfere in the selection of Iraq's next prime minister. This declaration comes at a critical juncture as Iraq navigates the intricate process of forming a new government following the parliamentary elections held in early November 2025. The statement was made in response to an unspecified message from the Shia Coordination Framework to Sistani, according to reports.

The selection of a prime minister is a pivotal step in Iraq's government formation phase, which often involves extensive negotiations and can face significant delays due to political disagreements among various factions. The Shia Coordination Framework, a political alliance of Shia parties, is currently engaged in the process of nominating the country's next premier.

A History of Strategic Intervention and Non-Interference

Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, widely regarded as Iraq's highest religious authority, has historically played a significant, albeit often indirect, role in the nation's political landscape. While he generally adheres to a 'quietist' approach, avoiding direct involvement in state institutions, he has intervened decisively during periods of national crisis.

Notable instances of his influence include:

• Guiding the United States' efforts to establish a new Iraqi government after the 2003 invasion.
• Publicly supporting the resignation of former Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi during the 2019 Tishreen protests, urging lawmakers to reconsider their support for the government. At that time, his representative stated that Sistani would not get involved in the process of choosing a new government, emphasizing the need for it to be free from 'foreign interference'.
• Abstaining from public interference in the 2021 Iraqi elections until September 2022, when he reportedly sent private messages that led Muqtada al-Sadr to instruct his followers to stand down amidst clashes with Iranian-backed militias.

Sistani has consistently advocated for national unity, the fight against corruption, and adherence to the constitution, viewing Islam's role as providing an ethical framework for governance rooted in popular legitimacy and the rule of law.

Implications for Iraq's Government Formation

Sistani's current declaration of non-interference is significant, particularly given the ongoing external pressures from both Iran and the United States regarding the prime minister selection. The US Special Envoy to Iraq, Mark Savaya, is reportedly pressuring the Shia Coordination Framework to exclude Iranian-backed candidates from the premiership.

The process of government formation in Iraq is constitutionally defined, with the Federal Supreme Court ratifying election results, followed by the Council of Representatives electing a speaker and president. The president then nominates a prime minister-designate from the largest parliamentary bloc. However, political realities often mean that consensus within influential domestic groups and external actors heavily influences the final choice.

While Sistani's office has stated non-interference, his past actions suggest that such a stance does not preclude future intervention if he deems it necessary for national integrity or in response to a crisis. His decision underscores a desire for an internally driven selection process, free from external influence, aligning with his long-held opposition to foreign meddling in Iraqi affairs.