US backs Iraq’s “new path” under al-Zaidi

Shafaq News- Baghdad

The United States supports Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi’s vision for the country and is working with Baghdad to strengthen bilateral ties, a US State Department spokesperson said on Tuesday.

In a statement, the spokesperson cited President Donald Trump’s July 14 meeting with al-Zaidi, saying Washington strongly supports the prime minister’s efforts to ensure a brighter future for Iraqis, prevent attacks inside Iraq or from its territory, and build a strong, mutually beneficial US-Iraq partnership.

The statement comes weeks before the US-led Global Coalition is due to end its military mission in Iraq. Al-Zaidi has repeatedly set September 30 as the target for completing the withdrawal and enabling Baghdad to assume full responsibility for security.

A senior US official previously told Shafaq News that Washington and its Coalition partners would “reduce” their military presence in Iraq rather than completely end it, describing the move as a transition toward a long-term bilateral security partnership.

The September deadline is also tied to Baghdad’s efforts to place weapons under state control. Iraq’s State Administration Coalition (SAC) has warned that armed activity outside state institutions after September 30 will be treated under the country’s anti-terrorism law.

During his July visit to Washington, al-Zaidi met with Trump and senior US officials, with talks focusing on security, energy and economic cooperation. Iraq also announced plans for more than 18 partnership agreements with US companies and institutions covering energy, investment, infrastructure, technology, healthcare and other sectors.