Iraqi Prime Minister to Visit United States on Monday Leading High-Level Delegation

The Iraqi government spokesperson, Haider Al-Aboudi, announced at a press conference that Prime Minister Al-Zaidi will head to Washington on Monday, leading a high-level delegation in response to an invitation from the President of the United States.

Al-Aboudi emphasized that a primary focus of the talks will be the development of economic and investment relations, including revitalizing and stimulating the investment environment across sectors such as energy, trade, and technology.

Al-Zaidi assumed the premiership in April with support from Trump amid increasing U.S. pressure on Baghdad to restrict the weapons of Iran-aligned armed factions that have targeted American interests and forces in Iraq over several years.

Al-Aboudi stated that "the restriction of weapons is an Iraqi decision" and that it will "positively impact the provision of a secure environment for investment and internal stability." He added that this step constitutes "a fundamental prerequisite for internal stability, enhancing economic growth, and attracting investments capable of revitalizing the economic file."

Al-Zaidi has pledged to place weapons exclusively under state control and has called on armed factions to surrender their arms. While some factions have shown cooperation, others continue to refuse disarmament, particularly under ongoing U.S. pressure.

Despite its oil wealth, Iraq continues to struggle with decades of conflict and unrest, facing challenges such as weak infrastructure, deteriorating public services, poor governance, and widespread corruption.

During his week-long visit, Al-Zaidi aims to attract new American investments to Iraq, which needs to strengthen its economy, especially after significant revenue losses caused by the halt of oil exports through the Strait of Hormuz during the Middle East war.

Haider Al-Aboudi indicated that Iraq "is preparing to bring in specialized American companies to provide additional momentum to raise the production capacity of Iraqi oil."

The two sides are expected to sign several agreements, including the establishment of a fund where Iraq will deposit half a million barrels of oil daily in exchange for enhanced electricity supplies.

In recent months, Iraq, a founding member of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), which had called for an increase in its oil production quota, has signed multiple agreements with major American companies in the oil sector.

Al-Zaidi's visit coincides with renewed military tensions between the United States and Iran, Iraq's ally, with successive Iraqi governments seeking to maintain a balance between the two.

Like other oil producers, Iraq was severely affected by the Middle East war due to the halt of exports through Hormuz, particularly as it relies heavily on oil exports, which constitute about 90 percent of its budget revenues, with the vast majority passing through the strait.