U.S. and Iraq plan to shift relationship focus to economic partnership as military presence withdraws.
During a White House meeting, Donald Trump and Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi agreed to deepen economic ties between the two nations, signaling a major pivot from military assistance to investment. The discussion centered on boosting Iraq’s oil production and strengthening infrastructure projects. The discussions included pressure on Iraq to disarm powerful, Iran-backed militias operating outside state control. Both the Iraqi premier and the administration indicated that U.S. forces would completely withdraw by September 30. The administration emphasized that the U.S. partnership would shift away from military cooperation toward commerce and energy development. While Donald Trump praised al-Zaidi, endorsing him over rivals who the administration viewed as too close to Iran, al-Zaidi vowed that the armed factions would have no justification once the current coalition mission ends. Sources also noted an agreement is being planned for a major oil pipeline connecting southern and western Iraq.