WASHINGTON (TNND) — President Donald Trump will welcome Iraq’s new Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi to the White House on Tuesday after applauding his April victory and calling it the “beginning of a tremendous new chapter between our Nations — Prosperity, Stability, and Success like never seen before.”
Trump had opposed the previous leading candidate, former Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, viewing him as too closely aligned with Iran. Before Iraq’s government was formed, Trump warned he would cut off U.S. assistance if al-Maliki took office, arguing the country could not prosper without American support.
“Because of his insane policies and ideologies, if elected, the United States of America will no longer help Iraq and, if we are not there to help, Iraq has ZERO chance of Success, Prosperity, or Freedom,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
Iran is expected to be a central topic during Tuesday’s meeting. Iraq has faced mounting pressure to disarm Iran-backed militias operating within its borders, several of which launched attacks on U.S. military bases and diplomatic facilities after the U.S. and Israel began their military campaign against Iran in February.
While the Iraqi government has ordered non-state armed groups to disarm by the end of September, some of the country’s most powerful militias have publicly rejected the demand.
Ahead of the Oval Office meeting, a Trump administration official said the U.S. would make “informed” decisions about its relationship with Iraq based on Baghdad’s progress in dismantling Iran-backed militias. The official spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss the administration’s strategy before al-Zaidi’s visit.
Al-Zaidi’s delegation includes Iraqi business leaders and government officials. His office said the visit is intended to “strengthen economic and development partnerships, attract investment, and expand the role of U.S. companies in implementing infrastructure projects,” while also advancing cooperation in Iraq’s oil and energy sectors.
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Editor’s note: The Associated Press contributed to this article.
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