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Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi is set to travel to Washington for talks with US President Donald Trump in what is expected to be his first international trip since taking office in May. The visit, which begins on Monday, is aimed at deepening strategic ties, with oil and gas deals expected to be signed as part of a broader push for economic, trade and investment cooperation between the two countries.
Coverage comparison
Several media outlets have reported on the upcoming visit, offering slightly different angles. Al Jazeera and Dawn both highlighted the economic cooperation aspect, focusing on the expected oil and gas agreements. Jerusalem Post's coverage also centered on economic ties, while The Hindu — World emphasized the signing of 48 agreements and partnerships with American companies during the trip, including deals in the oil and electricity sectors.
All sources agree that the visit marks a significant step in US-Iraq relations, but there are nuances in their coverage. Al Jazeera emphasized the shift from crisis management to a strategic economic partnership, while The Hindu — World's reporting was more positive, noting President Trump's praise for al-Zaidi as a "champion" and highlighting the potential economic boost for Iraq.
Key claims
The visit is expected to result in the signing of several memorandums of understanding in the oil and gas sector, as Iraq prepares to bring in various US companies to increase oil production capacity, according to government spokesperson Haider al-Aboudi. The deals are seen as a way to provide momentum to Iraq's oil production.
Al-Aboudi said the planned agreements would also seek to create alternative export outlets to reduce Iraq's exposure to disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping route through which approximately 90% of Iraq's oil exports pass. Iraq, like other Gulf producers, has suffered a drop in oil revenue due to the effective closure of the waterway during the US-Iran war.
During his visit, al-Zaidi is also expected to discuss Iraq's proposal to establish an energy and development fund with the US, which would finance projects in the energy sector. The fund would initially be structured with oil exports of 500,000 barrels per day, aiming to increase to two million, as the prime minister seeks to raise Iraq's oil production to seven million barrels per day over the next three years from its current output of about 4.5 million.
According to The Hindu — World, Iraq signed 48 agreements and partnerships with American companies during the visit, including cooperation agreements involving the ministries of oil and electricity with companies such as ExxonMobil, KBR, G.E. Vernova, Shell, and Halliburton. The agreements also include several deals related to the construction of a major crude oil pipeline between Iraq and Syria, and a deal with Starlink to introduce its satellite communications services to Iraq.
Iraq has been seeking to balance its ties with neighboring Iran and the US as military escalation between the two rivals continues. Al-Aboudi said that strengthening Iraq's armed forces would also be among the issues discussed in Washington. The US has also been pressuring Iraq to disarm Iran-backed armed groups, which have targeted US facilities, and to restrict weapons under state authority.
Perspectives
The White House, represented by President Trump, expressed a positive outlook on the visit, with Trump previously praising al-Zaidi as a "champion" after his appointment. The US has sought closer cooperation with Iraq, while also pressing for disarming pro-Iran groups and addressing Baghdad's ties with Tehran.
Iraq's government, led by al-Zaidi, has signaled a willingness to deepen ties with the US, as seen in the agreements to be signed and the visit's strategic focus. Al-Aboudi emphasized the visit's purpose to move relations from a framework of crisis management to a strategic economic partnership, underscoring Iraq's interest in attracting US investment to address its economic challenges.
Iraq's economic experts view the cooperation as essential for Iraq's capacity building. Abdulrahman Almashhadani, an Iraqi economic expert and professor, told Al Jazeera that Iraq needs such cooperation with a partner like the US to enhance its capacities in energy, oil, gas, electricity, and petrochemicals.
The views of Iran or Iran-backed groups are not presented in the provided coverage.