According to a report from a global news agency on July 12, the Iraqi government spokesperson announced that Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi is set to visit the United States, seeking to strengthen the strategic partnership between the two countries. It’s expected that they’ll sign oil and gas cooperation agreements.
Spokesperson Haider al-Abadi shared that Zaidi will arrive in the US on the 13th local time. “The upcoming agreements will include several memorandums of understanding in the oil and gas sector. Iraq is preparing to bring in multiple American companies, which will help boost our oil production capacity,” he said.
He also hinted that Iraq hopes to find alternative export routes through these partnerships, reducing the risk of disruptions at the Strait of Hormuz.
On May 14, Iraqi Prime Minister Zaidi was sworn into office (photo credit: IC photo).
The news agency noted that after the military tensions between the US and Iran led to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, oil revenues for Iraq and other Gulf producers took a hit.
Beyond energy, al-Abadi said Zaidi will also discuss beefing up Iraq’s military capabilities. Back in January, the Iraqi government announced that US forces had fully withdrawn from all military bases under the control of Iraqi security forces, with only a small number of American troops still stationed in the Kurdistan region in the north. Future military cooperation will center on training, equipment purchases, joint exercises, and operational coordination.
After Zaidi was nominated as prime minister in April, US President Trump congratulated him, expressing hopes for closer US-Iraq ties. Analysts suggest this visit signals Iraq’s effort to balance its relationships with neighbor Iran and the US, especially amid rising tensions in the Middle East.