Iraqi PM and US President pledge oil-centric economic ties

Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi met with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, with both leaders pledging to transform the bilateral relationship from a military alliance to a deep economic partnership centered on Iraq's vast oil reserves. The visit, al-Zaidi's first international trip since taking office in April, aimed to pivot relations toward strategic cooperation and attract major U.S. investment to rebuild Iraq's economy.

During their Oval Office meeting, Trump praised al-Zaidi as a "fantastic champion" and said the two nations were going to "make some tremendous music together." He emphasized Iraq's oil potential as the foundation for future deals that would create jobs for both countries. Al-Zaidi echoed the sentiment, calling the visit "the beginning of an economic partnership" and a shift from "militaristic to economic" relations.

A central objective for the United States in the talks was pressing Iraq to curb Iran's influence, particularly by disarming powerful Iran-backed militias that have launched attacks on U.S. bases and diplomatic facilities since the outbreak of direct U.S.-Iran conflict in February. An administration...