Trump backs Iraq’s pick for prime minister

U.S. President Donald Trump has extended a formal invitation to Iraq’s new prime minister-designate Ali al-Zaidi to visit Washington once a government is formed, according to a statement released Thursday by the Iraqi prime minister’s office.

Following the phone call, Trump took to his Truth Social platform to congratulate al-Zaidi, expressing hope for his success “as he works to form a new Government free from terrorism that could deliver a brighter future for Iraq.”

“We look forward to a strong, vibrant, and highly productive new relationship between Iraq and the United States,” Trump wrote. “This is the beginning of a tremendous new chapter between our Nations — Prosperity, Stability, and Success like never seen before.”

The communication signals Washington’s endorsement of al-Zaidi, a businessman and political newcomer, after Trump had previously voiced strong opposition to another prime ministerial candidate.

Iraq’s dominant parliamentary coalition, the Coordination Framework — a group of Shiite parties with ties to Iran — nominated al-Zaidi on Monday following weeks of internal negotiations among its member parties.

The coalition had initially planned to back former Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, who served from 2006 to 2014. However, Trump publicly declared opposition to al-Maliki, whom the U.S. administration views as too closely aligned with Iran, and threatened to cut off aid to Iraq if he were appointed to the position.

Despite al-Maliki’s initial defiance following Trump’s intervention, the parliamentary bloc ultimately opted for a compromise candidate, selecting al-Zaidi in the final stages of discussion.

Al-Zaidi currently serves as chairman of Al-Janoob Islamic Bank and has not previously held political office. His selection was bolstered by his economic background and extensive business and investment connections, attributes seen as valuable for Iraq’s challenging economic landscape.

In early 2024, Al-Janoob was among several Iraqi banks banned by Iraq’s central bank from conducting dollar transactions. This action came amid increased U.S. pressure to crack down on money laundering and the transfer of funds to Iran. However, neither al-Zaidi personally nor his bank are currently under U.S. sanctions.

Following his nomination, al-Zaidi pledged to focus on making Iraq “a balanced country, regionally and internationally,” acknowledging the delicate geopolitical position Iraq occupies between Iran and the United States.

“This appointment comes at a sensitive time that requires concerted efforts from all political and social forces,” he said in a statement.

The nomination process now enters a critical phase. Under Iraq’s constitution, al-Zaidi has 30 days to present his Cabinet lineup to parliament, requiring 167 votes to secure a confidence vote.

Iraq faces significant challenges as al-Zaidi attempts to form a government. The country must navigate the political and economic repercussions of regional tensions, including spillover effects from Iran’s ongoing conflicts that have directly impacted Iraqi territory.

Additionally, disruptions to maritime shipping in the Strait of Hormuz have affected oil exports, which remain the backbone of Iraq’s economy. Iraq is OPEC’s second-largest oil producer, with petroleum accounting for approximately 90% of government revenue.

The U.S.-Iraq relationship has experienced significant turbulence in recent years, particularly following the U.S. assassination of Iranian General Qassem Soleimani on Iraqi soil in 2020, which prompted the Iraqi parliament to vote for the expulsion of U.S. troops.

Political analysts note that al-Zaidi’s selection represents a pragmatic compromise between Iraq’s need to maintain workable relations with both the United States and neighboring Iran, whose influence in Iraqi politics remains substantial through allied militia groups and political parties.

If confirmed, al-Zaidi will succeed Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, who has led Iraq since October 2022.