From Washington.. Ali Al-Zaidi's Government Shapes the Political and Economic Future of the New Iraq

The summit held at the White House on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, between Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Al-Zaidi and US President Donald Trump, marked a pivotal moment in the trajectory of Iraqi-American relations. This visit holds particular significance as it is Al-Zaidi's first foreign visit since assuming the premiership, and also the first official Iraqi visit to the United States since 2003.The Iraqi Prime Minister received an official welcome and clear support from President Trump, a step that carries deep political, economic, and security implications, potentially shaping a new phase in Iraq's history. The outcomes of this summit are expected to bring about a tangible transformation in relations between Baghdad and Washington, positively impacting Iraq's future and establishing a more solid partnership in various fields.This visit comes amidst rapid regional and international developments, most notably the American-Iranian war and its repercussions on the region and the world, especially the closure of the Strait of Hormuz and the resulting global rise in energy prices. In this context, discussions focused on strengthening relations between White House officials, economic institutions, and businessmen, to discuss economic cooperation files between Washington and Baghdad, primarily the energy sector and security cooperation.Discussions also covered the development of the Strategic Framework Agreement, deepening economic partnership, and enhancing cooperation in the areas of reconstruction, technology, and investment protection, thereby opening a new chapter in Iraq's relations not only with the United States but with the entire international community, and contributing to building a modern Iraqi state that its people can be proud of. In this regard, Prime Minister Ali Al-Zaidi stated: "Great nations are not made by chance, and Iraq is a key partner in achieving stability."Under Ali Al-Zaidi, Iraq is experiencing a pivotal phase of national reform, coinciding with the transition from a military alliance phase to a strategic partnership phase with the United States, meaning transforming the relationship from crisis management to creating shared opportunities, with a focus on supporting production, developing infrastructure, industry, technology, and the digital economy, by attracting major American companies to invest in Iraq.The White House summit opens a new page of partnership between Baghdad and Washington, supported by political and reformist momentum, with the aim of translating these relations into strategic investments and agreements that enhance political and economic stability, and solidify Iraq's new regional and international standing.On the security front, Al-Zaidi's government is making significant efforts to address one of the most complex issues, which is limiting weapons to state control, establishing security, and strengthening the rule of law. During his visit to Washington, Al-Zaidi announced from inside the White House his pledge that Iraq would be free of any weapons outside state institutions by September 30, 2026, emphasizing his rejection of the continued presence of armed factions outside government authority.This coincided with statements by President Trump in which he confirmed progress in the disarmament of factions, considering that this security development might in the future lead to no longer needing the presence of American forces on Iraqi soil. However, achieving this goal still faces significant challenges, especially given the insistence of some armed factions, which are an extension of Iranian influence in Iraq, on refusing to surrender their weapons, and their announcement of continuing to develop their military capabilities even after the specified deadline.This issue is one of the biggest challenges facing Al-Zaidi's government, as its success in limiting weapons to state control would open the door to a more stable environment and enhance opportunities for investment and economic development in Iraq.Among the issues that the government has also given great attention to is the fight against corruption. Prior to the Washington visit, Al-Zaidi's government launched a wide-ranging campaign called "Dawn Raid," targeting major individuals involved in corruption cases, resulting in the referral of a number of officials to justice, along with the confiscation of large sums of money and gold bars linked to cases of public money waste and administrative corruption.These measures are seen as an important step to boost investor confidence in Iraq and encourage the implementation of joint projects and deals with the United States, as well as expanding Iraq's investment openness to the world.In light of these developments, the United States sent positive political and financial messages to Baghdad, represented by the resumption of transferring Iraqi oil revenues deposited with the Federal Reserve Bank, days before Al-Zaidi's arrival in Washington, a step considered an indicator of growing American confidence in the new Iraqi government, and support for Iraq's stability as an important political and economic partner.This confidence was reflected in President Trump's statements during the meeting, where he said: "We love Iraq," describing Ali Al-Zaidi as a "great leader," announcing his support for him, expecting him to continue as Iraqi Prime Minister for a long time, and noting that he would be an influential leader not only for Iraq but for the region as well.Trump also affirmed that Iraqi-American relations have moved from a phase he described as "not good" to a new phase characterized by an "excellent" level, praising the Iraqi Prime Minister's performance, describing him as the right person for Iraq, and that he succeeded in bringing about important changes in a short period since assuming the premiership. The US President also announced that the two countries would sign major deals during the same week, and added, in his characteristic joking manner, describing Al-Zaidi as "young and handsome."For his part, the Iraqi Prime Minister thanked President Trump for the warm reception, emphasizing that the visit does not represent a fleeting protocol event, but rather a declaration of a strategic economic partnership between the two countries. He also reiterated his confirmation of the end of the American military presence in Iraq by September 30, 2026, and the transition to an economic, social, and military partnership based on mutual interests, noting that he conveys the greetings of the oldest civilization in history, the civilization of Mesopotamia, to the largest economic and technological center in the world.In conclusion, this visit reflects a remarkable development in Iraqi-American relations, in light of current regional changes, and establishes a new phase with important political and economic dimensions. It also paves the way for the signing of memoranda of understanding in the fields of oil, gas, and energy, and attracting American companies to increase production capacity, as well as seeking alternatives for transport corridors in light of the repercussions of the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.In parallel with the government's efforts to combat corruption, establish state sovereignty, and limit weapons to the Iraqi armed forces, these developments, if they continue, will contribute to enhancing the investment environment, supporting the energy, trade, and technology sectors, and consolidating Iraq's political and economic openness, not only with the United States but with the entire region and the world.