US, Iraq reaffirm strategic partnership, plan White House meeting in July

The United States and Iraq have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral ties, with both sides emphasizing security cooperation, economic development, and Iraq’s sovereignty following high-level talks between Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Al-Zaidi and U.S. Special Presidential Envoy Tom Barrack.

In a joint statement issued after their June 15 meeting, the two sides said they “reiterated the shared commitment of the United States Government, under President Trump’s leadership, and the Government of Iraq, under Prime Minister Al-Zaidi, to a strong and mutually beneficial U.S.-Iraq partnership, able to fulfill Iraqi aspirations for a sovereign, secure, and prosperous future and to deliver tangible benefits for Americans and Iraqis alike.”

The statement added that the leaders discussed a shared vision for Iraq’s future focused on security and state authority. It said both sides addressed efforts to strengthen Iraq’s institutions and reduce armed activity outside state control.

The two sides also discussed plans to strengthen Iraq’s energy sector, including cooperation with Excelerate Energy on an integrated LNG import terminal project at Khor Zubair.

Barrack separately said that U.S. President Donald Trump is expected to host Prime Minister Al-Zaidi at the White House in mid-July.

According to Barrack, “President Trump looks forward to welcoming Prime Minister Al-Zaidi to the White House mid-July to discuss the future of this important relationship.”

He added that the upcoming meeting would build on discussions held during a phone call on April 30, including security cooperation and Iraq’s efforts to consolidate state authority and prevent armed groups from operating outside government control.

Both sides also reaffirmed support for a “strong, sovereign, and united federal democratic Iraq,” emphasising constitutional governance and equal rights for all citizens as central to long-term stability and prosperity.

By Sabina Mammadli