Trump praises Iraqi PM amid escalating Iran tensions

President Donald Trump lauded Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi at the White House, describing him as a "great leader" with whom he shared "tremendous chemistry." The meeting took place against a backdrop of heightened tensions between the United States and Iran, and amid U.S. pressure on Baghdad to disarm Iran-backed militias operating within Iraq.

Al-Zaidi, who took office two months ago as a businessman with no prior political experience, is on his first foreign trip. His visit to Washington comes shortly after the U.S. and Iran ended a ceasefire with crossfire attacks, and following Trump's announcement of a blockade on Iranian ships in the Persian Gulf.

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a great leader

Washington is urging Iraq to dismantle a network of Iran-backed militias that have targeted U.S. interests in the region since the U.S. and Israel launched an offensive against Iran on February 28. The Iraqi government, under al-Zaidi's leadership, has set a September 30 deadline for these militias to hand over their weapons to the state. This date coincides with the conclusion of the U.S.-led coalition's mission against the Islamic State group in Iraq.

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tremendous chemistry

Prime Minister al-Zaidi assured Trump that Iraqi security forces are fully capable of protecting the country's borders post-September 30. The U.S. and Iran have vied for influence in Iraq since the 2003 U.S. invasion that ousted Saddam Hussein.

Earlier this year, a coalition of Iran-aligned Shiite parties in the Iraqi parliament initially favored Nuri al-Maliki, a former prime minister, for the premiership. However, the Trump administration opposed this choice, deeming al-Maliki too close to Tehran. Al-Zaidi ultimately assumed the role with support from a parliamentary majority comprising Shiite and Kurdish forces, navigating a complex political and security landscape in Iraq.

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the Iraqi security forces are fully capable of protecting the country's borders after September 30.