Iraq's new Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi is set to visit Washington to build ties with the Trump administration and attract investment for Iraq, which has faced major economic setbacks from the closure of the Strait of Hormuz since February.

The conflict involving Iran has also raised concerns over Iranian-backed militias operating in Iraq. As part of the Iraqi paramilitary forces and holding a position both inside and outside the government, Zaidi appears determined, with US backing, to bring these groups under tighter control.

According to Asharq al Awsat, a London-based outlet, Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi is preparing for a trip to the United States at President Donald Trump's invitation. It will mark his first such visit since taking office, as his government works to place armed factions under state authority.

The report indicates Zaidi continues to form his cabinet, with several posts still open. In recent weeks he reached an accord with Shi'ite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr to disarm Sadr's sizable Saraya al Salam militia, though more hardline Iranian-backed groups such as Harakat Hezbollah al Nujaba have refused to disarm.

The Asharq report notes that despite missing defense and interior ministers, al-Zaidi's team has advanced a sensitive disarmament effort against several armed factions. It highlights that al-Zaidi has placed state control over weapons at the core of his agenda. With strong public endorsement from Trump soon after gaining parliamentary approval, he has emphasized that curbing faction influence is vital for economic reform and drawing foreign investment.

US Embraces Zaidi, Opposing Pro-Iran Ex-PM

Shafaq News in Baghdad reported that Prime Minister Ali Faleh al-Zaidi announced an official visit to the United States on Saturday, joined by business leaders, to boost joint investment opportunities. He also noted that a development fund for the private sector will include a $10 billion contribution from the Central Bank.

This account adds that Zaidi is rallying support from Iraqi business figures and economic organizations ahead of the journey. A former banker with private-sector experience, Zaidi has received warmer US reception than his predecessor, Nouri al-Maliki, a figure closely aligned with Iran who nearly regained the premiership in February.

Shafaq quotes a statement from the Prime Minister's Media Office saying al-Zaidi stressed reliance on private-sector cooperation to advance economic reforms and development. The government will maintain an open-door policy for proposals, requests, and issues raised by business leaders that need official intervention.

The report further states that al-Zaidi called for an end to corruption and extortion, urging companies and entrepreneurs to avoid paying bribes for permits or rights. He affirmed his readiness to address any obstructions by state elements.

Additional reporting notes that Zaidi has pressed militias to avoid escalation amid current Israel-Iran tensions. Informed sources indicated the prime minister and his team are working intensively to keep Iraqi armed factions out of the recent military flare-up between Iran and Israel, even if the United States joins the confrontation directly alongside Israel. Maliki has also held talks with US officials in Baghdad on militia control and weapons issues.