Iraq PM Meets Trump Amid Regional Tensions

Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi is set to meet US President Donald Trump in Washington on Tuesday as US-Iraq relations face renewed pressure over Iran’s influence and growing regional tensions.

Zaidi arrived in Washington on Monday for his first official foreign visit since taking office. During the week-long trip, he is expected to meet senior US officials and representatives of major oil companies. His visit comes as military tensions between the United States and Iran continue to shape Iraq’s foreign policy, with Baghdad seeking to balance relations with both countries.

Before the meeting, Ali al-Zaidi wrote in the Washington Post that his administration is committed to ensuring “a government committed to ensuring that the state possesses the legitimate monopoly on the use of force.” He said the government has instructed pro-Iran armed groups to disarm by 30 September, matching the scheduled end of the US-led anti-jihadist coalition’s mission.

Although the Iraqi government is working to strengthen state control over weapons, a senior Iraqi politician said the country is not abandoning its relationship with Iran. Instead, Iraq intends to maintain its long-standing balance between both allies while focusing on economic development.

During his visit, US-Iraq relations are also expected to centre on investment and energy cooperation. Zaidi said he hopes to encourage leading American companies to invest in Iraq’s infrastructure and create projects with measurable economic benefits. Iraq has already signed several agreements with US energy firms in recent months and is expected to conclude additional deals during the visit, including an arrangement linked to electricity supply.

The United States recently resumed cash transfers linked to Iraq’s oil revenue after previously suspending them while urging Baghdad to curb the influence of pro-Iran armed groups. However, some of those groups continue to reject disarmament and have criticised Zaidi’s visit to Washington.

Do you think stronger US-Iraq relations can help improve Iraq’s economy while maintaining balanced regional ties?

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