Iraqi Prime Minister Meets President Trump After Attending Iran Leader Funeral

Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi met President Trump in the Oval Office on Tuesday, days after attending the funeral procession of Iran's former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei in Najaf, Iraq. The 40-year-old prime minister took office in May following a political deadlock and was backed by Shiite factions and the Trump administration.

He has pledged to reduce corruption and limit the influence of Iran-backed militias.

Zaidi's visit came after U.S. envoy to Iraq Tom Barrack worked for several weeks to arrange the trip. Two U.S. officials said Iranian officials urged Zaidi not to make Washington his first overseas destination as prime minister. Zaidi declined those requests and proceeded with the meeting.

U.S. officials viewed the decision as a signal that the new Iraqi government intends to strengthen ties with the United States.

Trump praised Zaidi during the meeting and extended the session to include an unplanned lunch. Zaidi sat beside the president while Trump discussed continued strikes and a naval blockade on Iran. Zaidi did not address Iran in his remarks. He focused instead on expanding economic cooperation with the United States, completing the withdrawal of U.S. troops by September, and bringing all weapons in Iraq under state control.

Shia militias was discussed during the meeting. U.S. officials said they view the visit as an early indication that Zaidi may act on his stated commitments regarding those groups.