US invites Iraqi PM Ali Zaydi to White House, outlines aid conditions

President Donald Trump extended an invitation to Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Zaydi to visit the White House in mid‑July to discuss bilateral ties and a strategic partnership. The two sides issued a joint statement reaffirming commitment to Iraq’s sovereignty, security and economic cooperation.

A US statement released after the meeting set out extensive political, economic and security requirements for Iraq to avoid large‑scale sanctions. The conditions call for the complete disarmament of armed groups operating outside state control, the prevention of any threats to regional neighbours from Iraqi territory, and the prioritisation of US companies in Iraq’s energy sector. The announcement included the finalisation of a Starlink operating licence for internet services, the launch of negotiations with Chevron on oil fields in the west of Al‑Qurna‑2 and Najaf, and the approval for US firms to participate in projects such as the Kirkuk‑Baniyas oil‑pipeline revival, a floating LNG import plant, and other energy ventures.