Iraqi PM Zaidi Meets Trump in White House, Signaling Shift Toward U.S.

According to Axios, Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi met with President Trump at the White House on Tuesday, a visit U.S. officials view as a signal that the new Iraqi government is moving toward the United States and distancing itself from Iran. Zaidi, a 40-year-old businessman-turned-politician who took office in May after a lengthy political deadlock, was a compromise candidate backed by Shiite factions and the Trump administration. The White House viewed him as not dependent on Tehran's support, unlike his opponent. Zaidi has pledged to curb corruption and rein in Iran-backed militias. U.S. officials said Iran pressed Zaidi not to make his first overseas visit as prime minister to Washington, but he insisted on meeting Trump. During the meeting, Trump praised Zaidi as a "fantastic champion" and added an unplanned lunch. Zaidi did not mention Iran but spoke about strengthening economic ties with the U.S., concluding the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Iraq in September, disarming militias, and ensuring all weapons are under Iraqi state authority. The disarmament of Iranian-backed Shia militias was a key issue in the meeting with Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.