How US-Iran escalation will test Iraq’s balancing act
Summary
President Donald Trump met with Iraq’s Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi to discuss stronger economic ties and increased oil production. The US plans to withdraw troops from Iraq by September 30, but also urges Iraq to disarm Iran-aligned militias, putting Iraq in a difficult position between the US and Iran.Key Facts
- President Trump described Iraq’s Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi as “young” and “handsome” during their White House meeting.
- Trump and al-Zaidi pledged to increase economic cooperation and boost Iraq’s oil production.
- Iraq is seeking an International Monetary Fund loan of up to $8 billion.
- The US plans to withdraw all remaining troops from Iraq, fewer than 2,000, by September 30, 2024.
- US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth demanded that Iraq disarm militias aligned with Iran.
- Kataib Hezbollah, an Iran-backed group in Iraq, said it would join a war against the US if conflict with Iran starts.
- Iraq wants to maintain good relations with both the US and Iran due to economic and cultural reasons.
- Iraq relies on US companies to modernize its oil and gas sector but faces pressure over militia activity.
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