Trump and al-Zaidi Seek to Deepen US-Iraq Economic Partnership
President Donald Trump said the United States plans to pursue major commercial deals with Iraq following his meeting with Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi at the White House. Speaking to reporters, Trump described Iraq as a country with “tremendous potential” because of its vast oil reserves. He said American companies would expand their role in Iraq’s energy sector and increase oil production through new business opportunities. “A lot of oil is coming out, and the American companies are doing it,” Trump said, adding that most major energy projects now involve U.S. firms.
Trump welcomed al-Zaidi to the White House and praised his business background, describing him as a leader with the potential to play an influential role in the Middle East. He said the visit reflected a shared commitment to strengthening bilateral relations through trade, investment, and commercial cooperation rather than military engagement.
Iran-Backed Militias Remain the Biggest Security Test for Iraq
Iran-backed militias remained at the center of security discussions during the White House meeting between President Donald Trump and Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi. Iraq has given Iran-backed and other non-state armed groups until September 30 to disarm. However, several powerful militias have already rejected the deadline and insisted they will keep their weapons. These groups operate outside Iraq’s regular military and security forces, making it difficult for the government to exercise full control.
The issue also carries wider regional implications because several of these militias maintain close ties with Iran and have previously been linked to attacks on U.S. military bases and diplomatic facilities in Iraq. A senior Trump administration official said Washington will judge Iraq’s progress by its efforts to disarm these groups, adding that future U.S. policy will depend on Baghdad’s actions.
Energy Projects and New Investments Drive US-Iraq Economic Cooperation
Energy cooperation has emerged as a defining element of the growing US-Iraq economic partnership. Iraqi officials said Baghdad is working toward a major energy agreement involving Iraq, Chevron, TI Capital, and Qatar’s UCC. The proposed package includes a strategic oil pipeline linking Basra in southern Iraq to Haditha before extending to the Turkish port of Ceyhan and Syria’s Baniyas port. Officials said the pipeline could transport about 2 million barrels of oil per day, strengthening Iraq’s export capacity, improving regional energy connectivity, and supporting long-term energy security.
The Iraqi government has also taken steps to increase the participation of American companies across its energy and infrastructure sectors. Reports said HKN Energy, Western Zagros, and Hunt Oil are involved in ongoing discussions, while HKN Energy has secured an agreement to develop the Himreen oil field in northern Iraq. The government has also approved a broader electricity cooperation agreement with General Electric. In addition, officials said the wider cooperation package includes plans for an LNG import terminal led by Excelerate Energy, as well as discussions on Starlink internet licensing. However, the final terms, financial details, and implementation timeline for several proposed agreements have not yet been announced.
Web Resources on Trump and al-Zaidi Strengthen US-Iraq Ties
1. AP News.com : US military will be out of Iraq by end of September, Iraqi prime minister and Pentagon say.
2. Reuters.com : Trump says US will be doing a lot of deals with Iraq, taking a lot of oil out.
3. US News.com : Trump Says US Will Be Doing a Lot of Deals With Iraq, Taking a Lot of Oil Out.