Iraqi PM Ali al-Zaidi Meets Trump Amid US-Iran Tensions
Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi is meeting US President Donald Trump in Washington today, 14 July. This marks al-Zaidi's first international trip since taking office in April. His visit aims to strengthen Iraq-US cooperation and address economic ties, particularly in the oil and gas sector. During his week-long tour, al-Zaidi is expected to sign agreements to enhance Iraq's oil production capacity and attract US investment. The backdrop includes renewed military escalation between the US and Iran, with Iraq caught in the middle as a proxy battleground. Al-Zaidi's government has set a deadline of September 30 for Iran-backed armed groups to disarm, coinciding with the end of the US-led anti-jihadist coalition's mission. Iraq's economy relies heavily on oil exports, which constitute about 90 percent of its budget revenues.
Published 1 day ago • 14 Jul 2026, 07:48 AM IST