Iraq and US Reaffirm Strategic Partnership, Eye White House Meeting in July
Iraq-US Joint Statement Outlines Energy, Security and Investment Goals
Chevron, Starlink and Pipeline Rehabilitation Among Priorities in Iraq-US Joint Statement
By John Lee.
Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi and Tom Barrack, Special Presidential Envoy of President Trump, have reaffirmed the commitment of both governments to building a strong and mutually beneficial US-Iraq partnership. Barrack conveyed President Trump’s wish to receive Prime Minister al-Zaidi at the White House in mid-July to discuss the future of the relationship.
According to the Iraqi Prime Minister’s Office, the two sides discussed the Iraqi government’s vision for a future free from terrorism and outlined plans for the complete disarmament and dissolution of all armed groups operating outside state authority, the consolidation of weapons under state control, and the imposition of full sovereignty – with the aim of ensuring Iraq is kept clear of regional conflicts and that its territory is not used by any party to threaten regional peace.
Prime Minister al-Zaidi reaffirmed Iraq’s commitment to deepening bilateral trade and investment relations. Both sides welcomed a series of specific commercial developments, including:
- Iraq’s decision to complete the granting of an operating licence to Starlink to provide internet services to Iraqi consumers
- The launch of negotiations with Chevron for the development of the West Qurna 2 and Nasiriyah oil fields
- The resumption of operations by US companies HKN, Western Zagros and Hunt, with full security guarantees
- Progress on a memorandum of understanding with TI Capital for the rehabilitation of the Kirkuk-Banias pipeline as a vital oil export route
- Expansion of US-Iraq commercial cooperation to support Iraq’s electricity needs, including US-based Excelerate Energy‘s project to develop a floating liquefied natural gas (LNG) import terminal at Khor al-Zubair
Both sides also affirmed their support for a strong, unified and sovereign federal Iraq grounded in constitutional institutions, with full equality for all citizens.
