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Iraq's PM heads to Washington to discuss militias, business, and gain Trump's support

From Jerusalem Post · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources New plan
  • Iraq's new Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi is traveling to Washington to seek support from the Trump administration and attract foreign investment.
  • Zaidi aims to bring armed militias under state control, a key part of his economic reform and investment attraction program, though some hardline factions refuse to disarm.
  • The trip follows Zaidi's efforts to organize his government and secure agreements for militia disarmament, with the US previously favoring him over the pro-Iran former Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki.

Iraq's new Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi is embarking on a crucial trip to Washington, aiming to secure vital support from the Trump administration and stimulate foreign investment. His visit comes as Iraq grapples with economic losses stemming from the closure of the Strait of Hormuz and threats from Iranian-backed militias.

Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi is preparing for a trip to the United States at President Donald Trump’s invitation. It will be his first since taking office as his government presses ahead with efforts to bring armed factions under state control.

— Asharq al AwsatReporting on Prime Minister al-Zaidi's upcoming visit to Washington and his government's focus on militia control.

Al-Zaidi's government is prioritizing bringing armed factions under state control, a move he believes is essential for reshaping Iraq's economy and attracting foreign capital. This initiative has garnered strong public support from President Trump. Despite some cabinet posts remaining vacant, al-Zaidi has already secured an agreement from Shi'ite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr to disarm his Saraya al Salam militia. However, more extreme groups like Harakat Hezbollah al Nujaba have declared they will not disarm.

Despite the absence of defense and interior ministers, al-Zaidi’s administration has moved forward with a sensitive disarmament campaign targeting several armed factions.

— Asharq al AwsatHighlighting the government's progress on disarmament despite internal challenges.

The Prime Minister's Media Office stated that the government relies on private sector cooperation for its economic reform efforts. Ahead of his trip, al-Zaidi is also engaging with Iraqi business leaders, planning to bring businessmen with him to expand investment opportunities. A former banker, al-Zaidi's background in the private sector is seen as an asset. The US has shown a preference for al-Zaidi, contrasting with their previous opposition to former Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, who is known for his strong pro-Iran stance.

Al-Zaidi has made state monopoly over weapons the centerpiece of his program. Backed by unusually strong public support from Trump shortly after winning parliamentary confidence, he has stressed that ending the influence of the factions is essential to reshaping Iraq’s economy and attracting foreign investment.

— Asharq al AwsatDetailing al-Zaidi's core policy and Trump's support for it.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Jerusalem Post. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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