Trump welcomes Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi to White House

Key Points:

• President Donald Trump welcomed Iraq’s new prime minister, Ali al-Zaidi, to the White House, endorsing him as a political outsider who could usher in a new chapter of prosperity and stability between the two nations.
• Trump opposed the appointment of former Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, seen as close to Iran, and threatened to cut U.S. aid to Iraq if al-Maliki was chosen, emphasizing the importance of U.S. support for Iraq’s success and freedom.
• A key focus of discussions is expected to be Iraq’s efforts to disarm Iran-backed militias, which have resisted disarmament despite government deadlines, with the U.S. signaling it will base decisions on Iraq’s progress in this area.
• Al-Zaidi, a businessman with no political experience and former chairman of a bank linked to Iran-related sanctions, has initiated anti-corruption measures, arresting officials tied to graft, while facing significant challenges from entrenched political and militia interests.
• Iraq and U.S. companies, along with Qatar’s UCC, are set to sign a major deal to build an oil pipeline connecting southern Iraq to ports in Turkey and Syria, aiming to transport about 2 million barrels of oil per day and enhance economic ties.