Iraqi PM Ali al-Zaidi is facing one of the biggest diplomatic challenges of his leadership as he attempts to maintain relations with both the United States and Iran during a period of growing military tensions.
Just days after attending the funeral procession of Iran’s late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in Iraq, Zaidi travelled to Washington for high-level talks with US President Donald Trump. The back-to-back engagements highlighted Iraq’s delicate position between its two powerful allies.
Iraq Tries to Balance Relations With Both Nations
For many years, Iraq has been caught between Washington and Tehran as both countries compete for influence in the region. Successive Iraqi governments have tried to avoid taking sides while protecting the country’s political and security interests.
Last week, large funeral processions for Khamenei were held in Iraq’s holy Shia cities after he was killed in a US-Israeli strike on Tehran earlier this year. When his coffin arrived at Najaf International Airport, Zaidi joined senior Iraqi officials and religious leaders at the official reception.
Only a few days later, he arrived in Washington for talks with President Trump, despite continuing tensions between the US and Iran.
Pressure Over Washington Visit
According to a report by Axios, two US officials claimed that Iranian authorities had urged Zaidi and his delegation not to make Washington the destination for his first official foreign visit as prime minister. However, Zaidi reportedly decided to go ahead with the visit.
US officials viewed the decision as a sign that the Iraqi leader is committed to an “Iraq first” policy aimed at strengthening relations with Washington while gradually reducing Iraq’s dependence on Iran.
However, a senior Iraqi politician told AFP that improving ties with the United States “it doesn’t mean that Iraq is turning against Iran.”
Zaidi Faces Difficult Political Balancing Act
Zaidi became prime minister with support from Shiite political groups as well as backing from the Trump administration. According to Axios, US officials believed he would be more independent than former Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, who was widely seen as being closer to Tehran.
After taking office, Zaidi pledged to fight corruption and promised to bring Iran-backed militias under tighter government control, although reports suggest he has moved cautiously on the issue.
Trump Praises Iraqi Prime Minister
During the White House meeting, President Trump warmly welcomed Zaidi and even added an unscheduled lunch to the official programme.
“We have a fantastic champion, a new champion,” Trump said while welcoming the Iraqi prime minister to the Oval Office. “He’s been a great fighter and a great fan of America.”
Trump also praised their relationship, saying he had arranged the additional lunch because of the “tremendous chemistry” between them.
Focus Remains on Economy and Security
During the meeting, Zaidi remained seated beside Trump as the US president spoke about continuing military operations and maintaining pressure on Iran.
“Zaidi’s willingness to be seated next to President Trump as Trump spoke about Iran was a powerful image, demonstrating the seriousness of his intent to align himself with the United States in spite of Iranian opposition,” a US official told Axios.
Despite the sensitive regional situation, Zaidi did not publicly discuss Iran during his visit. Instead, he focused on expanding economic cooperation with the United States and completing the planned withdrawal of American troops from Iraq in September.
First published on: Jul 16, 2026 11:46 AM IST
Get Breaking News First and Latest Updates from India and around the world on News24. Follow News24 on Facebook, Twitter.
End of Article
Related Story
