Gaza Negotiations ‘Return to Square One’

Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi is projecting a new direction for his government, signaling a willingness to reshape relations with the United States ahead of a mid-July visit. Analysts interpret these moves as an effort to forge an economic and security partnership with Washington while carefully preserving existing ties with Iran.

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preserve their history after contributing to the fight against terrorism, and to work through the state

Al-Zaidi has recently sent constructive signals to the U.S. regarding armed factions, urging them to "preserve their history after contributing to the fight against terrorism, and to work through the state." He reiterated his government's firm stance against "weapons outside official institutions," emphasizing Iraq's commitment to placing arms under state control and disarming militia groups.

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weapons outside official institutions

In his public remarks, al-Zaidi stressed Iraq's pursuit of a "strong economic partnership" with the U.S. He also underscored that Baghdad's relationship with Tehran is founded on "good neighborliness, respect and common interests," mirroring its approach to all regional nations. "Iraq does not accept dictates from any party, and the decision will always be made according to the interests of Iraqis first," he stated, framing Iraq's strategic direction as prioritizing its own interests without compromising other relationships.

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strong economic partnership

Iraqi researcher Muhanad Seloom described al-Zaidi's approach as "good," noting popular support for combating corruption and restricting weapons to the state. However, Seloom characterized Iran's influence as "negative" for Iraq, while acknowledging that hostility with Iran is not in Iraq's best interest and that the U.S. understands Baghdad's complex relationship with Tehran. Political science professor Talib Muhammed Karim suggested al-Zaidi's objective in Washington is not a military "project to eliminate militias," but rather to "strengthen the state and restore its legitimate monopoly over the use of force" through internal consensus and international backing.

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based on good neighborliness, respect and common interests