TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - United States President Donald Trump on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, received an official visit from the newly appointed Prime Minister of Iraq, Ali al-Zaidi, at the White House. The meeting between the two leaders aims to solidify bilateral relations while maintaining stability in relationships with regional countries.
"The visit will focus on security files, as well as investment, energy and bilateral relations," said Al-Zaidi, as reported by Asharq Al-Awsat.
The meeting with Trump marks his first official visit since becoming prime minister. Al-Zaidi stated that Iraq will no longer allow external parties to bring weapons into its territory after the U.S. ends its mission on September 30. Washington urged Baghdad to exercise full control over weapon ownership and to eliminate military factions affiliated with Tehran.
In line with the White House's direction, Al-Zaidi stated that the Iraqi security authorities have confiscated a number of weapons from several military factions.
"After September 30, we won’t allow any party outside of the state to carry weapons," he emphasized.
Meanwhile, Trump praised al-Zaidi, calling him a "great leader," and expressed optimism that the U.S. and Iraq will enjoy a lasting relationship.
During their official meeting, Washington announced plans to sign a cooperation memorandum with Baghdad in the energy sector next week.
"Iraq has tremendous oil reserves, they have tremendous potential wealth," said the 47th U.S. President.
Not stopping there, Trump continued to praise Al-Zaidi for successfully changing America's image in the eyes of the Iraqi public. Furthermore, Trump asserted that the U.S. will always stand by Iraq to support and provide protection if needed.
"We're there to help them [Iraq]. We're there to protect them, if need be, but we don't think that's going to be necessary. And their -- their primary, I consider it an opponent. They might have considered a friend, but I consider that an opponent, was Iran, was a big burden on Iraq because they were the bully of the Middle East," Trump said.
U.S.-Iraq Economic Cooperation
In the report, Al-Zaidi stated that Iraq's economic situation demands that his government collaborate with the U.S. He mentioned that this partnership is Baghdad's effort to transform bilateral relations from crisis management to economic and investment opportunities.
"I will deliver a message that Iraq, as a sovereign nation, stands at an equal distance from regional conflicts and chooses to embark on the path of development, extending its hands to friends in the process," said the prime minister of Iraq.
When asked by journalists, Al-Zaidi avoided questions about the mastermind behind the killing of Iranian General Qassem Soleimani in 2020 by Trump.
In addition to meeting with Trump, according to Iraqi government television, Al-Zaidi is also scheduled to meet with U.S. Defense Minister Pete Hegseth, senior Pentagon officials, members of Congress, and World Bank President Ajay Banga.
Subsequently, he is scheduled to visit Houston to meet with officials from Halliburton, Chevron, Exxon Mobil, and U.S. Chamber of Commerce Head Suzzane Clarke.
Read: US Troop Withdrawal From Iraq Set for September 30
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
US House Passes Bill for Permanent Daylight Saving Time
8 jam lalu
The US House passes the Sunshine Protection Act to make daylight saving time permanent, but the bill faces a divided Senate and health warnings.
Kash Patel Under Fire Amid Travel, Gift, and FBI Controversies
9 jam lalu
FBI Director Kash Patel is facing mounting scrutiny over a series of controversies that have drawn criticism in both the United States and abroad.
US Troop Withdrawal From Iraq Set for September 30
9 jam lalu
The planned US withdrawal is linked to the disarmament of influential, Iran-backed militias in Iraq.
Trump Vows More Iran Strikes Until Tehran Agrees to Negotiate
11 jam lalu
President Donald Trump said US military strikes against Iran will continue and intensify unless Tehran agrees to negotiate.
World Cup: Balogun Red and Expansion Keep FIFA in Spotlight
1 hari lalu
The fallout from Folarin Balogun's red card reversal continues as reports suggest FIFA's disciplinary committee made the decision unilaterally.
US Judge Voids Trump Deal Shielding Him from IRS Tax Audits
1 hari lalu
A US federal judge has nullified a controversial legal settlement between Trump and federal agencies that would have shielded him from tax audits.
Trump Ally Lindsey Graham Dies at 71 After Sudden Illness
2 hari lalu
Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, a close ally of Trump, died on Saturday, Aug. 15, at the age of 71 following a sudden illness.
US: Reporters Subpoenaed Over Air Force One Stories
3 hari lalu
NYT journalists face court over reports on security concerns about Trump's Qatari-gifted plane, raising press freedom concerns.
Trump Looked to Bypass Federal Election Agency, Report Says
4 hari lalu
The White House explored declaring an emergency over voting machine flaws before Trump ousted leaders of the election agency, a report found.
Israel Says It Shared Intelligence on Alleged Iranian Plot to Kill Trump
5 hari lalu
Israel says it shared intelligence with the US on an alleged Iranian plot to assassinate President Donald Trump.
