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Iraq's Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi will travel to the United States on Monday to hold talks with President Donald Trump in his first international visit since taking office, as Baghdad seeks to deepen economic ties and attract fresh investment.
The weeklong visit comes as Iraq faces growing pressure over Iran-backed armed groups while trying to offset economic losses following disruptions to oil exports during the Middle East conflict, particularly after Iran announced on Saturday that the Strait of Hormuz had been closed again following recent U.S. strikes.
A high-level Iraqi delegation will accompany Zaidi to Washington at Trump's invitation, government spokesperson Haidar al-Aboudi announced.
Talks are expected to center on expanding economic cooperation, particularly in the oil, natural gas and electricity sectors, while both sides prepare to sign several agreements.
Aboudi said memorandums of understanding in the oil and gas sectors aim to raise Iraq's production capacity and develop alternative export routes to reduce the impact of disruptions linked to the Strait of Hormuz. U.S. companies are expected to take part in the projects.
"The U.S. visit reflects a policy of developing balanced foreign relations based on shared interests," Aboudi noted, adding that the trip carries added importance given the region's sensitive security environment.
Iraqi officials have not confirmed when Zaidi's meeting with Trump will take place. The discussions will also cover efforts to strengthen investment ties and enhance the capabilities of Iraq's security forces, according to Aboudi.
"Meetings during the visit will address key issues, especially the development of economic and investment relations," he said. "Enhancing the capabilities of Iraq's security forces will also be on the agenda," he added, noting that bringing armed groups under state control is essential for maintaining internal stability and creating conditions that can attract new investment.
Zaidi took office this year as Washington renewed calls for Baghdad to disarm Iran-aligned armed groups that have repeatedly targeted U.S. facilities in Iraq.
He has pledged to bring those groups under state control, though some factions have opposed the effort.
Iraq, OPEC's second-largest oil producer, relies on crude exports for nearly 90% of government revenue.
The closure of the Strait of Hormuz earlier this year sharply reduced exports and strained public finances, prompting Baghdad to speed up efforts to develop alternative export routes and attract new energy investment.
In recent months, Baghdad has signed several agreements with major international energy companies, including projects aimed at increasing production capacity and expanding export infrastructure.
Iraqi officials also expect additional deals during Zaidi's visit, including an arrangement under which Iraq would deposit 500,000 barrels of oil per day into a fund in exchange for expanding the country's electricity supply.
The visit also follows Washington's decision to resume cash shipments linked to Iraq's oil revenue, which is held at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York.
The transfers had been suspended earlier this year during the regional conflict.
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