Trump invites Iraq premier-designate to US, eyeing stronger ties

Sherif Tarek, Bloomberg News on Apr 30, 2026

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President Donald Trump invited Iraq’s prime minister nominee to visit Washington after he forms a new government, as the U.S. seeks to limit Iran’s influence on its neighbor.

In a telephone call, Trump and Ali al-Zaidi discussed “ways to develop and strengthen” bilateral relations between the U.S. and Iraq in various fields,” according to a statement from the Iraqi premier’s office. They also agreed to cooperate to consolidate stability in the region.

Iraq’s largest Shiite bloc, the Coordination Framework, nominated al-Zaidi to be the next prime minister after Nouri Al-Maliki, who held the position between 2006 and 2014, withdrew his bid for another tenure.

The candidacy of Al-Maliki, who boasts close ties with Iran, alarmed Washington, as Trump stressed that his return would cause a rift between the U.S. and Iraq — OPEC’s second-largest producer.

U.S. and Israeli forces attacked Iran on Feb. 28, touching off a regional war. Iranian-backed proxies, including in Iraq, have been involved in the conflict, with the U.S. embassy in Baghdad repeatedly becoming a target.

Trump has said one of his war goals was to end Iran’s support for militant groups across the Middle East.

The American president, in a post on Truth Social on Thursday, wished al-Zaidi “success as he works to form a new Government free from terrorism that could deliver a brighter future for Iraq.”

“We look forward to a strong, vibrant, and highly productive new relationship between Iraq and the United States. This is the beginning of a tremendous new chapter between our Nations — Prosperity, Stability, and Success like never seen before,” Trump said.

A former banker and businessman with no political background, al-Zaidi is poised to succeed the incumbent, Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani, who has good relations with the U.S. yet opted not to try for another term.

An alliance of parties led by Al-Sudani won the most votes in November elections, but not enough to form a government on its own. Al-Zaidi has a month to submit his government to the Iraqi Parliament for approval.

Under the country’s power-sharing arrangements, the most important post of prime minister should be given to a Shiite, with Sunnis and Kurds choosing the parliament speaker and president, respectively.