U.S. President Donald Trump extended an invitation to Iraq’s newly designated prime minister, Ali al-Zaidi, to visit Washington and publicly endorsed the political newcomer following weeks of diplomatic friction over Baghdad’s leadership selection. The Iraqi prime minister’s office confirmed Thursday that Trump called al-Zaidi to convey the invitation once he successfully assembles a new cabinet.
The call and a subsequent social media post from Trump signal a diplomatic reset after the U.S. administration threatened to withhold aid over a previous candidate widely seen as too closely aligned with Iran. The incoming Iraqi leadership faces immediate pressure to stabilize an economy strained by regional conflict and shipping disruptions while navigating a deeply divided parliament.
Following the phone call, Trump posted on Truth Social congratulating al-Zaidi and wishing him “success as he works to form a new Government free from terrorism that could deliver a brighter future for Iraq.” The post outlined the administration’s expectations for bilateral ties. “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.”
Al-Zaidi’s nomination on Monday by the Coordination Framework marks a pivot for Iraq’s dominant Shiite parliamentary coalition, which had initially rallied behind former Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki. The coalition spent weeks in internal debate before abandoning its original choice. Trump had publicly opposed al-Maliki and warned that U.S. assistance could be cut off if the former premier returned to power.
Al-Maliki remained defiant after the U.S. intervention, but coalition members ultimately shifted to al-Zaidi as a compromise candidate. The transition underscores the coalition’s recalibration of its leadership strategy amid heightened American scrutiny of Iranian influence in Iraqi governance.
Al-Zaidi, who serves as chairman of Al-Janoob Islamic Bank, emerged as a leading contender largely due to his economic background and business connections. He has not previously held political office. While neither al-Zaidi nor his bank are currently under U.S. sanctions, Al-Janoob was among several Iraqi financial institutions barred from dollar transactions in 2024 by Iraq’s central bank. The central bank’s decision came amid sustained American pressure to curb money laundering and the diversion of funds to Iran.
Following his selection, al-Zaidi addressed the political climate and outlined his administrative priorities. “This appointment comes at a sensitive time that requires concerted efforts from all political and social forces,” he said. He promised to steer Iraq toward a more neutral posture, focusing on making the country “a balanced country, regionally and internationally.”
Under Iraq’s constitution, al-Zaidi now has 30 days to present a proposed Cabinet lineup to the Iraqi parliament. Securing a vote of confidence will require approval from at least 167 lawmakers, a threshold that could test the coalition’s unity as factions negotiate ministerial portfolios.
The government-in-waiting inherits a volatile macroeconomic and security environment. The regional Iran war has already spilled across the border into Iraqi territory, disrupting local markets and infrastructure. Concurrently, the closure of the Strait of Hormuz has severely constrained the shipping lanes required to export Iraqi crude, the primary revenue stream for Iraq’s state budget.