Iraqi prime minister to visit Washington, oil and gas deals expected

Iraqi Prime Minister-designate Ali al-Zaidi is set to visit Washington on Monday to deepen strategic ties with the United States. The visit is expected to yield significant oil and gas deals as part of a broader push for economic, trade, and investment cooperation between the two nations.

The planned agreements include several memorandums of understanding in the oil and gas sector. A government spokesperson stated that these deals will bring in various U.S. companies, providing momentum to increase Iraq's oil production capacity. Furthermore, the agreements aim to establish alternative export outlets, a crucial step for Iraq as it seeks to mitigate exposure to potential disruptions in the vital Strait of Hormuz shipping route.

Iraq, like other Gulf oil producers, has experienced a decline in oil revenue due to the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz during periods of heightened tensions between the U.S. and Iran. The discussions in Washington will also address the strengthening of Iraq's armed forces, a topic of importance given the ongoing regional dynamics.

Relations between Iraq and the U.S. have historically been complex, marked by strains over the presence of U.S. troops, Baghdad's relationship with Iran, and U.S. pressure to curb the influence of Iran-backed armed groups. However, following his nomination for the premiership in April, Ali al-Zaidi received congratulations from U.S. President Donald Trump, who expressed hope for closer cooperation.

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The agreements to be signed will include several memorandums of understanding in the oil and gas sector as Iraq prepares to bring in various US companies that will provide momentum to increase oil production capacity.