Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi is set to meet US President Donald Trump in Washington as US-Iraq relations enter a crucial phase. The visit comes amid rising tensions between the United States and Iran, placing Iraq in the difficult position of balancing ties with two important partners while pursuing economic growth.
Zaidi arrived in Washington on Monday for his first overseas trip since taking office. During the week-long visit, he will meet senior US officials and executives from major oil companies. He hopes the discussions will strengthen US-Iraq relations, attract foreign investment, and support Iraq’s economic recovery.
Before the visit, Zaidi wrote in the Washington Post that his government is committed to ensuring “a government committed to ensuring that the state possesses the legitimate monopoly on the use of force”. He has given pro-Iran armed groups until 30 September to disarm as the US-led anti-jihadist coalition prepares to conclude its mission.
Although Zaidi’s administration has adopted a more economy-focused approach, an Iraqi political source stressed that Iraq is not turning against Iran. Instead, the country intends to preserve its long-standing balance between both allies. At the same time, the government believes stronger state control over weapons is essential for improving US-Iraq relations and attracting new investment opportunities.
The United States has already resumed cash transfers linked to Iraq’s oil revenues after previously suspending them while urging Baghdad to act against armed groups. However, some Iran-backed factions continue to reject calls to disarm and recently criticised Zaidi’s visit, warning against what they described as “replacing military occupation with an even more dangerous form of economic occupation”.
Despite ongoing security challenges, Iraq remains focused on rebuilding its economy. Zaidi said he wants leading American companies to invest in infrastructure and create projects with lasting economic value. Iraq has already signed several agreements with US firms in the oil and gas sector, and more deals are expected during the visit, including an energy partnership designed to strengthen the country’s electricity supply while expanding US-Iraq relations.
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