Trump to Meet Iraqi Prime Minister al-Zaidi at White House Tuesday

President Donald Trump is scheduled to welcome Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi to the White House on Tuesday. Al-Zaidi, a businessman with no prior political experience, was named prime minister-designate in April after months of deadlock following the 2025 parliamentary elections. He arrived in Washington with a delegation of senior officials and business leaders.

His office said the visit aims to expand economic ties, attract U.S. investment and increase the role of American companies in infrastructure and energy projects. Several Iran-backed militias launched attacks on U.S.

Military bases and diplomatic facilities after the United States and Israel entered direct conflict with Iran earlier this year. The Iraqi government ordered non-state armed groups to disarm by September, though some powerful militias have rejected the deadline. A Trump administration official said U.S.

Policy toward Iraq will be based on the government's progress in confronting the militias. Since taking office, al-Zaidi has overseen raids and arrests targeting dozens of current and former lawmakers and government officials, including several linked to former Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani.

Aid and stating that Iraq had "ZERO chance of Success, Prosperity, or Freedom" under Maliki's leadership. Iraq's central bank barred Al-Janoob Islamic Bank, which al-Zaidi previously chaired, and several other banks from U.S. dollar transactions in 2024 after U.S.

Pressure to curb money laundering and prevent funds from reaching Iran. The sanctions did not target al-Zaidi personally, and no public allegations have been made that he engaged in wrongdoing.