The Prime Minister of Iraq, Ali al-Zaidi, plans to visit Washington in July. His visit is expected to “discuss strategic ties between Iraq and the United States, with economic cooperation topping the agenda, according to an Iraqi government spokesperson,” according to Rudaw media in Erbil in the Kurdistan autonomous Region of northern Iraq.
This is an important upcoming visit for the Iraqi leader. He has been an officer for several months and was appointed only after six months of political struggles in Iraq following an election in November 2025. As such, he came into office with many hoping he could resolve Iraq’s problems. Iraq is facing economic hardship due to the current blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. Zaidi is also attempting to rein in Iranian-backed militias in Iraq. As such, he faces major hurdles at home and will want US support.
At the same time, there have been reports that Syria’s president, Ahmed al-Sharaa, had also hoped for a visit to the White House. He has enjoyed a good relationship with the Trump administration. The administration has sought to reduce sanctions on Syria. This is important because Syria seeks investment in reconstruction. Syria is also trying to improve its economic situation amid the current Iran conflict, as land trade routes now appear more secure.
The US has the same envoy for Iraq and Syria. US Ambassador Tom Barrack, who is the ambassador to Turkey, is also the envoy to both countries. As such, it’s possible both countries might angle for a visit coordinated with Barrack. This would be important for Iraq and Syria, as well as for US policy. It could help stabilize both countries.
Currently, a visit by Sharaa has not been confirmed. Nevertheless, it is possible it could happen. The Trump administration will want to end the Iran conflict and get a deal while trying to show it can stabilize Iraq and Syria. The US anti-ISIS mission has wrapped up in Syria and is expected to wrap up in Iraq in September 2026.
Iraq seeks to strengthen economic ties with US
“Speaking to Rudaw on Saturday, Haider al-Aboudi said the visit [by Iraq’s prime minister] would focus on strengthening bilateral relations through an economic lens,” Rudaw noted.
The report goes on to note that “the files concerning the strategic relations between the two countries will be discussed during the visit. The agenda begins with economic issues because the current Iraqi government’s vision is that the economy is the engine of the state,” Aboudi said.
Rudaw further noted that “Zaidi’s anticipated visit comes as Iraq seeks to balance its strategic partnership with Washington while expanding economic cooperation and attracting foreign investment. Baghdad and Washington have maintained regular dialogue through mechanisms such as the Higher Coordinating Committee under the Strategic Framework Agreement, with security, energy, and economic issues featuring prominently in bilateral discussions.”
Meanwhile, Syria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ibrahim Olabi, announced on Saturday that Syria has joined the “Group of Friends for combating Technology- facilitated Trafficking in Persons,” Syrian state media SANA noted. Syria has also proposed a “Four Seas Initiative,” which Syrian state media notes is “an ambitious plan to transform the country into a regional hub for energy, transport and trade connectivity, received renewed attention this week during a policy discussion in Washington that brought together Syrian officials, energy experts, and regional analysts.”