DAILY-ARABIC-HE SOURCES

[85604] Iraq and the US strengthen ties: Prime Minister al-Zaydi to be invited to the White House in July

A series of reports in the Iraqi media confirms that Prime Minister Ali Faleh al-Zaydi has received an invitation from President Trump for an official visit to Washington, with the aim of strengthening the strategic and economic partnership between the countries.

A move to strengthen ties between Baghdad and Washington

In a series of coordinated announcements published on June 16, 2026, Iraqi and Arab media outlets reported a significant diplomatic rapprochement between Iraq and the United States. According to جريدة الصباح العراقية, Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Faleh al-Zaydi and American presidential envoy Tom Barrack confirmed their mutual commitment to a "strong and beneficial American-Iraqi partnership." Barrack delivered to al-Zaydi President Donald Trump's invitation for an official visit to the White House in mid-July, with the goal of discussing the future of their strategic relations.

Enforcement of sovereignty and disarmament of militias

One of the central issues raised in the talks is the internal security situation in Iraq. According to reports by وكالة الأنباء العراقية (واع), the parties discussed a "رؤية مشتركة وطموحة" (a shared and ambitious vision) for building an Iraq free of terror, while implementing government plans for "נזיע אל-סלאח" (disarmament) and the dismantling of all armed groups operating outside state control. Government spokesman Haider al-Aboudi emphasized that the government is determined to enforce full sovereignty and consolidate weaponry solely under state control, as quoted in جريدة الصباح العراقية.

Economic and energy cooperation

The planned visit to the US will focus on the economic sphere, as the Iraqi government views it as the "cornerstone" of relations between the countries. According to the reports, the partnership will include:

• Granting an operating license to the company Starlink to provide advanced internet services, as noted in وكالة الأنباء العراقية (واع).


• Opening negotiations with the company Chevron for the development of the "West Qurna-2" and "Nasiriyah" oil fields.


• Promoting energy projects with the company Excelerate Energy for the construction of a floating terminal for the import of liquefied natural gas (LNG) at the port of Khor al-Zubair.

Positions of regional media

While state media in Iraq emphasized the positive and sovereign aspects of the agreements, الميادين عراق (known for its critical stance toward American involvement) covered the meeting while mentioning the connection between economic cooperation and issues of security and arms, while quoting the government's statements objectively. Conversely, القاهرة الإخبارية reported on the events under headlines of "stability and sovereignty," while highlighting the shared democratic vision discussed between the parties.