Washington: US President Donald Trump has welcomed Iraq's new Prime Minister, Ali al-Zaidi, to the White House, marking a significant moment in US-Iraq relations. Al-Zaidi, a businessman with no prior political experience, was backed by Trump in his bid for office, and the two leaders are expected to focus heavily on the issue of Iran during their discussions.
According to TRTworld.com, Iraq faces pressure from the US to disarm militias that are reportedly backed by Iran and have been involved in attacks on US bases and diplomatic facilities. The Iraqi government has set a deadline until the end of September for these non-state armed groups to disarm. However, some militias have expressed no intention of complying. A Trump administration official, speaking on condition of anonymity, stated that the US will base its decisions on Iraq's progress in disarming these militias.
Al-Zaidi emerged as a consensus candidate for prime minister after a prolonged deadlock following Iraq's parliamentary elections last year. Upon his designation in April, Trump hailed it as the "beginning of a tremendous new chapter" for US-Iraq relations. Previously, Trump opposed former Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki due to his close ties with Tehran, threatening to withdraw US aid if al-Maliki were appointed.
Since assuming office, al-Zaidi has focused on tackling corruption, conducting raids, and arresting several lawmakers and officials linked to corruption, including those associated with former Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani. Al-Zaidi's visit to Washington, accompanied by Iraqi businessmen and officials, aims to enhance economic and development partnerships, attract investments, and expand US involvement in Iraq's infrastructure projects and energy sector.
In a recent op-ed in The Washington Post, al-Zaidi outlined his vision for a renewed US-Iraq partnership, emphasizing his government's efforts to disarm militias, enforce the rule of law, and open the nation to American investment. Al-Zaidi expressed confidence in Iraq's sovereignty and commitment to development, signaling a shift away from regional conflicts towards global integration. His visit to the US is expected to last one week.