Iraq’s New Leader Heads to Washington to Drive Economic Growth

Prime Minister Ali al‑Zaidi plans a mid‑July trip to Washington, Washington, D. C. , aiming to strengthen ties with the United States and spark new trade and investment opportunities. He says the goal is to create a business climate that brings real benefits to Iraq’s economy and supports internal stability. Since taking office last month, al‑Zaidi has made rebuilding the economy his top priority. He wants to pull Iraq away from a heavy dependence on oil, create jobs for young people, and fix crumbling infrastructure. The new government also wants to fight corruption and attract foreign investors.The visit will test the prime minister’s diplomatic skills. Iraq must balance its relationship with Washington against a tense situation with Tehran, especially after an interim deal to end the Middle East war. He also needs to keep a lid on Iran‑backed militias that threaten Iraq’s security. The U. S. and Iraq already share a strategic partnership covering security, economics and culture. Yet the relationship has been rocky at times, partly because of U. S. troops in Iraq and Iraq’s shifting ties with Iran. The new trip could help smooth these tensions while opening doors for business deals. Al‑Zaidi was welcomed by former U. S. President Donald Trump, who expressed hope for closer cooperation between the two capitals. The upcoming visit will show whether Iraq can turn its ambitions into real progress on the international stage.