US defence chief, Iraq PM-designate discuss security cooperation

US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth held a phone call with Iraq’s prime minister-designate Ali al-Zaidi, during which the two discussed bilateral cooperation with a focus on security, according to a statement published by al-Zaidi on X, as reported by Caliber.Az.

تلقينا اتصالاً هاتفياً من وزير الحرب الأمريكي السيد بيت هيغسيث، هنَّأنا فيه بمناسبة تكليفنا لتشكيل الحكومة الجديدة.

وجرى بحث العلاقات الثنائية بين البلدين، في مختلف المجالات، ولاسيما الخاصة بالتعاون الأمني، طبقاً لما تضمنته اتفاقية الإطار الإستراتيجي بين العراق والولايات… pic.twitter.com/6XRtobRdaN

— علي فالح الزيدي (@AliFalihAlzaidy) May 6, 2026

The conversation centered on strengthening the strategic partnership between the United States and Iraq, including plans to resume training programs for Iraqi security forces aimed at improving their combat readiness.

Both sides also underscored the importance of further developing military cooperation and supporting Iraq’s defense capabilities within the framework of ongoing cooperation between Baghdad and Washington.

By Tamilla Hasanova