Iraqi Prime Minister to Visit White House; Cabinet Approves U.S. Energy Deals, Replaces Russian Operator

Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi will travel to Washington this week to pursue major U.S. investment in oil, gas and electricity projects. The July 13-18 visit includes a scheduled meeting with President Donald Trump.

-based HKN Energy to develop the Himreen oilfield in northern Iraq. The cabinet also authorized the Electricity Ministry to complete a cooperation deal with General Electric for generation and transmission infrastructure. In early June the cabinet directed the state-run Basra Oil Company to exempt U.S.

Energy companies from certain regulatory requirements for preliminary agreements. Chevron has entered exclusive talks with Iraq over the West Qurna-2 oilfield after Baghdad replaced Russia’s Lukoil as operator. “We have directed the Ministries of Oil, Electricity and Communications to give priority to reputable American companies working in energy, telecommunications, technology, and development,” Zaidi said in a statement before the trip.

Al-Monitor reported that the moves reflect a deliberate effort to attract U.S. capital after the Iran war reduced crude output and state revenue. Political analyst Ahmed Younis said the conflict “highlighted the risks of overreliance on any single regional partner” and that Zaidi sees energy as the quickest path to closer ties with Washington.

Energy consultant Mohammed Abbas described the decisions on Chevron and U.S. operators in the Kurdistan region as a policy shift aimed at reversing perceptions that Iraq poses high risks for large-scale investment. Lawmaker Murad Ismael noted that Zaidi’s business background helps him navigate the challenge of securing American energy commitments amid ongoing regional security concerns.