Iran, Iraqi Factions Criticize Al-Zaidi’s Washington Visit

Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi has embarked on a U.S. visit aimed at translating political rapprochement into tangible economic and investment partnerships. Addressing American companies, al-Zaidi, drawing on his business background, declared that they shared "a common language, the economy." He stressed that his objective was not to act as a "contractor" but to drive broad-based development in Iraq, a nation he believes has missed growth opportunities over the past two decades despite its historical ties with the U.S.

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a common language, the economy.

Al-Zaidi connected Iraq's upcoming security and political phase with a new era of economic cooperation. He suggested that the planned withdrawal of remaining U.S. forces after September 30, as per an agreement between Baghdad and Washington, could pave the way for expanded economic and investment ties. Prior to the visit, al-Zaidi signaled a shift in Iraq's stance, stating that the concept of "resistance" would become obsolete after September, framing it as a necessity dictated by past circumstances rather than a permanent strategy.

This overture, however, has stirred criticism from Iran-aligned factions and their Iraqi allies. They view the opening to U.S. companies as a significant political and economic pivot that warrants re-evaluation. The criticism emerged as Iraq finalized approximately 48 memorandums of understanding and agreements with U.S. companies, including energy deals such as an oil export route bypassing the Strait of Hormuz and a deal with Syria for oil transport to the Syrian port of Banias.

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resistance is not a profession, but a necessity

In Tehran, Ali Akbar Velayati, an advisor to Iran's supreme leader, reportedly called al-Zaidi "inexperienced" and described the prime minister's conduct during his meeting with President Trump, which occurred shortly after the funeral of former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, as "a great disgrace." Analysts suggest this dispute underscores the intensifying competition for influence over Iraq's future, as Baghdad attempts to attract foreign investment while maintaining its regional equilibrium.

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inexperienced

Analyst Iyad al-Samawi raised questions about Iraq's readiness to host major U.S. companies and cultivate a suitable investment climate. "Global companies do not invest on emotion or gamble with their decisions," he stated, emphasizing that they seek not only oil but also security, stable legislation, judicial independence, efficient procedures, clear decision-making, and institutional integrity. Al-Samawi also noted that major U.S. companies operate under stringent anti-bribery and anti-corruption laws and would not compromise their standards for an unstable business environment. He concluded that the success of the agreements signed in Washington hinges on Iraq's internal preparedness, not solely on the companies involved.

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a great disgrace