Iraq Prime Minister Ali al‑Zaidi visits Washington for oil and gas agreements

Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al‑Zaidi is travelling to Washington on Monday, 13 July 2026, for his first foreign trip since taking office. Invited by U.S. President Donald Trump, he will lead a high‑level delegation to deepen strategic ties with the United States.

The agenda focuses on signing a series of memoranda of understanding in the oil and gas sector. Baghdad hopes to attract U.S. firms to boost crude‑oil production capacity, create a $500 million sovereign‑fund‑backed oil‑barrel reserve, and develop alternative export routes to reduce reliance on the Strait of Hormuz, which has been disrupted by the U.S.–Iran conflict. The agreements are also expected to address security cooperation, including discussions on strengthening Iraqi armed forces and curbing the influence of Iran‑backed armed groups.

Government spokesperson Haider al‑Aboudi said the talks will aim at “revitalising investment, diversifying export pathways and enhancing internal stability.” The outcome could influence global oil markets and the broader Iraq‑U.S. partnership amid ongoing regional tensions.