Iraqi Prime Minister Al-Zaidi Visits U.S. to Meet Trump, Focuses on Iran and Oil-Gas Cooperation

Central News Agency, Baghdad, April 14 — Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi arrived in Washington today to meet with U.S. President Trump. American authorities are increasing pressure on Baghdad to contain Iran’s influence within the country.

According to AFP, Zaidi’s visit comes amid renewed military tensions between the U.S. and Iran—both of which are key allies to Iraq.

The long-standing hostility between Washington and Tehran has turned Iraq into a battleground for proxy conflicts, placing successive Baghdad governments in the difficult position of maintaining a delicate balance between the two powers.

Zaidi arrived in Washington on the 13th, marking his first overseas trip since assuming office. During his one-week visit, he is scheduled to meet with Trump, U.S. officials, and representatives from American oil companies.

Zaidi, a businessman by background, came to power this year with U.S. support after Trump vetoed another candidate. He has pledged to revitalize Iraq’s fragile economy and to disarm pro-Iranian armed groups that previously attacked U.S. facilities.

Ahead of his visit, Zaidi published an op-ed in The Washington Post, stating that his government is “committed to ensuring the state holds the legitimate and sole monopoly on the use of force.”

The Iraqi government believes that maintaining a state monopoly on weapons is essential to attract foreign investment.

In the article, Zaidi emphasized that he wants to convey to the U.S. that Iraq “is not swayed by regional blocs or conflicts, but chooses its own path of development.”

His administration has demanded that armed groups designated as terrorist organizations by Washington disarm by September 30—a deadline that coincides with the end of the U.S.-led anti-jihad coalition mission.

An unnamed senior Iraqi political figure told AFP that although the current government follows a more pro-U.S., economically focused path, “this does not mean Iraq will oppose Iran.”

He stressed that Iraq “must maintain long-term balance among its allies.”

Regarding pro-Iranian armed groups in Iraq, the senior official noted that as long as the region remains in a state of war, some armed groups may refuse to disarm. “They and Iran will not agree,” he said.

Economically, despite being rich in oil resources and striving to recover from decades of conflict, Iraq still faces challenges such as inadequate infrastructure, dysfunctional public services, mismanagement, and severe corruption.

In his op-ed, Zaidi said he aims to “create opportunities that yield measurable economic benefits” during his Washington visit and hopes “leading American companies will consider participating in Iraq’s infrastructure development.”

In recent months, Iraq has signed oil and gas cooperation agreements with several U.S. companies. More agreements are expected during this trip, including the establishment of a fund into which Iraq will deposit 500,000 barrels of oil daily in exchange for assistance in improving domestic electricity supply.

Like other oil-producing nations, Iraq—founding member of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC)—has been severely impacted by Middle Eastern wars.

Iraq heavily relies on oil exports, with oil revenues accounting for about 90% of government budget income. Moreover, the vast majority of Iraq’s crude oil exports must pass through the Strait of Hormuz. (Compiled by Shih Shih) 1150714