Iraqi Prime Minister heads to Washington for talks on energy, trade and security

Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi is travelling to the United States for talks with President Donald Trump, in what officials describe as his first foreign trip since taking office in May. The visit is expected to focus on energy investment, trade and the role of pro-Iran groups, alongside efforts to deepen economic ties between Baghdad and Washington. Iraqi government spokesman Haider al-Aboudi said the trip marks a shift in relations from crisis management to a strategic economic partnership.

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Al-Aboudi said the talks are not aimed at a temporary arrangement but at building a durable long-term partnership that serves both countries' interests. He said oil will be a top priority, with Iraq seeking to increase production and identify alternative export hubs to reduce exposure to any future closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Iraq was heavily affected by disruption to the waterway in recent months, with about 90% of its 3.4 million barrels per day of exports passing through it.

The government is also expected to discuss an energy and development fund with the United States to finance projects agreed during the visit, particularly in the energy sector. Al-Zaidi has previously said the fund would begin with oil exports of 500,000 barrels per day and could rise to as much as two million barrels per day. He has also said Iraq wants to raise oil output to seven million barrels per day over the next three years, from about 4.5 million barrels per day now.

The trip matters because it comes at a time when Iraq is trying to balance security concerns with a push for foreign investment and broader economic cooperation. The country remains vulnerable to regional tensions, including the risk of disruption in the Gulf and pressure over armed groups linked to Iran. At the same time, Iraq is seeking more stable revenue streams and greater investment in oil, gas, electricity and petrochemicals.

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Abdulrahman Almashhadani, an Iraqi economic expert and professor, said cooperation with the United States could help strengthen Iraq's capacity in those sectors. He also said the key question is whether Iraq can provide a safe and stable environment that would encourage US companies to invest. That issue remains sensitive and unresolved, according to his assessment, and it will likely shape how far the two sides can move beyond broad commitments.

The visit follows earlier signs of closer engagement, including previous oil-sector deals with US companies and the resumption of cash shipments for Iraq's oil revenue. It also comes after Zaidi's nomination for the premiership in April and a message of congratulations from Trump, who said he hoped for closer cooperation. What remains unclear is which agreements will be signed during the trip and whether the talks will produce concrete progress on security issues as well as energy and trade.

Iraq's Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi is set to travel to Washington for talks with President Donald Trump, in what is being described as his first international trip since taking office. The visit is expected to centre on economic, trade and investment cooperation, alongside a package of oil and gas agreements. Government spokesman Haider al-Aboudi said Zaidi will depart on Monday for a week-long visit.

According to the spokesman, the agreements to be signed will include several memorandums of understanding in the oil and gas sector. He said Iraq is preparing to bring in a number of US companies to help increase oil production capacity. The talks are also expected to focus on strengthening economic relations and investment ties between the two countries.

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The visit comes as Zaidi seeks to attract US investment after significant revenue losses linked to the halt in oil exports during the Iran war and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Iraq has also been under pressure from Washington to tackle corruption and disarm Iran-backed armed groups that have targeted US facilities in the country. In late June, Iraqi security forces arrested dozens of prominent politicians, lawmakers and officials in sweeping raids across Baghdad as part of an anti-corruption crackdown ordered by Zaidi.

The trip carries wider significance because relations between Baghdad and Washington have often been strained over the continued presence of US troops in Iraq, Iraq's ties with Iran, and the issue of armed groups operating inside the country. At the same time, the planned agreements suggest both sides are trying to deepen cooperation in energy and investment at a moment when Iraq is looking for support to rebuild revenue and improve electricity supply. The reported deal to establish a fund linked to half a million barrels of oil per day would add another layer to the economic discussions if it is finalised.

Zaidi was nominated for the premiership in April and received congratulations from Trump, who said he hoped for closer cooperation between Baghdad and Washington. In recent months, Iraq has already signed several deals with US companies in the oil sector, and the new visit appears intended to build on that momentum. The US has also resumed cash shipments for Iraq's oil revenue, which officials in Baghdad have viewed as a sign of support for the new administration.

It remains unclear which agreements will be signed during the visit and how far the two sides will go on broader political issues, including armed groups and the future of US forces in Iraq. The outcome of the talks will be watched closely for signs of whether the economic agenda can move ahead despite the long-running security and sovereignty disputes. Further details are expected as the visit begins and the negotiations continue.

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