IRIA News

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U.S. President Donald Trump and Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Al Zaidi met in the White House on July 14, 2026, to deepen economic cooperation. The two leaders announced plans to expand investment, energy collaboration, and trade while reaffirming a timeline for the withdrawal of U.S. forces from Iraq.

The meeting marked Al Zaidi’s first visit to Washington since taking office in May and reflected both governments’ efforts to shift bilateral relations from a security-focused partnership toward stronger economic engagement.

Speaking alongside Al Zaidi in the Oval Office, Trump said the United States and Iraq would pursue a series of commercial agreements, particularly in the energy sector.

“Iraq has tremendous potential because of their oil,” Trump said. “We’re going to be doing a lot of deals. We’re going to create a lot of jobs for both countries, and we’re going to be taking out a lot of oil.”

Al Zaidi described the visit as the beginning of a “new economic partnership,” saying ties between Baghdad and Washington were entering a new phase after years in which military cooperation dominated the relationship.

President Donald J. Trump and Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi. 🇺🇸🇮🇶@IraqiPMO pic.twitter.com/reNYtrTbe4

— The White House (@WhiteHouse) July 14, 2026

Focus on Economic Cooperation

The Iraqi government had indicated before the visit that several oil and gas agreements would be signed with U.S. companies, although details were not immediately released.

Trump also said Gulf countries were expected to invest “billions” of dollars in the United States, highlighting broader regional economic cooperation following criticism of his earlier proposal to impose transit fees on ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz.

Energy remained one of the central topics during the discussions. Iraq is seeking to increase oil production and expand investment in its energy sector as it works to rebuild infrastructure damaged during years of conflict.

Al Zaidi said Iraq also wants a larger production allocation within the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), arguing that reconstruction needs justify higher output.

“The damage suffered by Iraq exceeds $400 billion, and to this day, some Iraqis still have destroyed homes and are living in camps,” he said. “I have a plan to return them to their homes, and that is why I want a fair share for Iraq in OPEC.”

Security Transition and Troop Withdrawal

Alongside economic issues, both leaders reaffirmed plans for the remaining U.S. military forces in Iraq to complete their withdrawal by September 2026.  Fewer than 2,000 American troops remain in Iraq, where they have supported Iraqi security forces in operations against the Islamic State group.

Al Zaidi also repeated his government’s commitment to ensuring that all armed factions operating outside state control surrender their weapons by the same deadline.

رئيس مجلس الوزراء القائد العام للقوات المسلحة السيد علي فالح الزيدي يجري زيارة إلى مقر وزارة الحرب الأمريكية في العاصمة واشنطن، ويلتقي وزير الحرب الأمريكي بيت هيغسيث. pic.twitter.com/mi6qMceera

— المكتب الإعلامي لرئيس الوزراء 🇮🇶 (@IraqiPMO) July 14, 2026

“The program of the government is to restrict the possession of weapons to the state,” he said. “After September 30, we will not allow any entity besides the state to carry any weapons.”

The disarmament plan forms a key part of Al Zaidi’s domestic agenda and aims to strengthen the Iraqi government’s control over national security. Following his White House meeting, Al Zaidi also met U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth at the Pentagon, where both sides discussed future defense cooperation after the planned troop withdrawal.

Challenges Remain

The commitment to disarm armed groups is expected to face significant political and security challenges. Several factions have previously opposed efforts to dismantle their military structures, while the Islamic Resistance in Iraq coalition said before Al Zaidi’s visit that it would reject any outcomes resulting from his meetings in Washington.

Iraq has long balanced competing relationships with both Washington and Tehran, with successive governments attempting to maintain cooperation with the United States while managing the influence of Iran-backed political and armed groups.

The issue has gained additional importance following months of regional tensions linked to the conflict between the United States, Israel, and Iran.

The wider regional security environment also featured prominently during the talks. Iraq’s economy has been affected by disruptions to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital maritime route for global energy exports. Before the recent disruptions, approximately 90% of Iraq’s oil exports, around 3.4 million barrels per day, passed through the waterway.

The uncertainty surrounding maritime security has increased pressure on Baghdad to diversify export options while maintaining stable energy production.

The recent escalation has also created uncertainty over the future implementation of a memorandum of understanding reached in June that sought to reduce tensions, reopen maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, and ease restrictions affecting regional shipping.

US-Iraq Relations

Al Zaidi assumed office after months of political deadlock in Iraq and has pledged to reform government institutions, combat corruption, and strengthen the state’s authority.

Trump publicly supported Al Zaidi’s nomination earlier this year while opposing the return of former Prime Minister Nouri Al Maliki, arguing that Iraq needed new leadership to strengthen cooperation with Washington.

During Tuesday’s meeting, Trump praised the Iraqi leader, calling him “a fantastic champion” and expressing confidence in Iraq’s future. “We’re going to have a long-term relationship,” Trump said.

For Baghdad, the visit represents an effort to redefine relations with the United States beyond military cooperation by attracting investment, expanding energy partnerships, and supporting reconstruction after decades of conflict.

التقى رئيس مجلس الوزراء السيد علي فالح الزيدي، اليوم الثلاثاء، الرئيس الأمريكي السيد دونالد ترامب، في البيت الأبيض بالعاصمة الأمريكية واشنطن، حيث جرى بحث سبل تعزيز العلاقات الثنائية وتوسعة التعاون الاقتصادي، وفرص مشاركة الشركات الأمريكية في مشاريع التنمية بالعراق، خاصة في مجال… pic.twitter.com/CY7wcQDjtQ

— المكتب الإعلامي لرئيس الوزراء 🇮🇶 (@IraqiPMO) July 14, 2026

While security issues, including militia disarmament and regional instability, remain central to the bilateral agenda, both governments emphasized that future cooperation would increasingly focus on economic development, trade, and investment as Iraq seeks to rebuild its economy and strengthen long-term ties with the United States.