Iraqi PM Says Washington Visit to Launch New Era of US Ties

World 02:01 PM - 2026-06-27

Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Faleh al-Zaidi.

Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Faleh al-Zaidi said on Saturday that his forthcoming visit to Washington, D.C., will mark the beginning of a new chapter in relations between Iraq and the United States, while unveiling plans to increase Iraq's oil production to seven million barrels per day over the next three years.

Speaking in a wide-ranging interview with Sky News, the Prime Minister outlined his government's priorities across foreign policy, energy, security, economic reform and public services, according to a statement issued by the Prime Minister's Media Office and received by PUKMEDIA.

New Phase in US-Iraq Relations

Al-Zaidi described the upcoming visit to Washington as more than a diplomatic engagement, saying it would signal the start of a strategic partnership based on mutual interests and respect.

He announced that the Global Coalition's combat mission against ISIS will conclude in September, with coalition forces set to withdraw permanently from Iraq. Future cooperation with the United States, he said, will focus on economic investment, development and technology rather than military engagement.

To support this transition, the government has instructed the Ministries of Oil, Electricity and Communications to prioritise reputable American companies in energy, technology and infrastructure projects.

Oil and Economic Development

The Prime Minister said the Ministerial Council for the Economy had approved several major oil projects involving international firms, including Chevron, Halliburton and HKN, while opening opportunities for additional exploration and field development.

He also confirmed plans for a strategic partnership with Starlink to strengthen Iraq's digital infrastructure.

Al-Zaidi announced that discussions with US officials would include the proposed Energy and Development Fund, initially financed through revenues from 500,000 barrels of oil per day and potentially expanding to two million barrels per day outside OPEC production quotas, subject to prevailing circumstances.

The fund's accounts would be held in leading American financial institutions, with its resources invested in electricity generation and infrastructure projects. The government estimates the initiative could mobilise up to US$400 billion over the next three decades. A complementary development fund is also being prepared in cooperation with the Central Bank to encourage public investment and international partnerships.

Rebuilding Iraq

The Prime Minister said Iraq continues to bear the consequences of decades of conflict dating back to 1980, which diverted national resources away from development and reconstruction.

He noted that successive wars, international sanctions during the 1990s, terrorism after 2003 and the war against ISIS had severely damaged infrastructure, weakened the economy and accelerated the loss of skilled professionals.

While Iraq successfully defeated ISIS with the support of its international partners, he said the country is now focused on rebuilding damaged infrastructure and restoring economic growth.

State Sovereignty and Security

Al-Zaidi reiterated that only the state should possess weapons, stressing that arms outside official institutions are unacceptable.

He said ongoing dialogue with armed factions seeks to ensure all groups operate within the framework of the state, preserving their role in combating terrorism while contributing to the construction of a fully sovereign Iraq.

The Prime Minister also announced preparations for an international "Sovereignty Conference" aimed at reinforcing Iraq's independent decision-making and achieving a country free from foreign military forces and armed groups operating outside the law.

Oil Production and Regional Policy

Al-Zaidi reaffirmed his government's ambition to increase Iraq's oil production capacity to seven million barrels per day within three years while restoring full export capacity and securing an OPEC production quota that reflects Iraq's potential.

On regional affairs, he said Iraq's relationship with Iran is based on good neighbourliness and mutual interests, while ties with Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries are rooted in longstanding historical and cultural connections.

He stressed that Iraq rejects regional polarisation and seeks to serve as a platform for dialogue and regional stability, expressing support for hosting future US-Iran talks.

The Prime Minister also said investigations had found no evidence that attacks against Saudi Arabia had originated from Iraqi territory, adding that strict measures have been implemented to prevent any future violations.

Government Programme

Al-Zaidi pledged to present citizens with measurable achievements rather than promises after 30 September and expressed confidence that the remaining cabinet positions would be filled within the next two weeks.

He also announced plans to provide one million fully serviced residential plots as part of efforts to address Iraq's housing shortage.

Fighting Corruption

The Prime Minister concluded by reaffirming his government's commitment to building a modern, productive economy while intensifying efforts to combat financial corruption through stricter legal measures, recovering public funds and reducing waste across state institutions.

The Prime Minister described corruption in Iraq as a deeply rooted problem that ranges from petty offences to widespread practices of bribery and favouritism, stressing that tackling it requires comprehensive and sustained institutional reform.

He announced the formation of a central committee to review and audit all government contracts worth more than 25 billion Iraqi dinars to verify cost estimates, prevent price inflation and strengthen financial oversight.

In addition, Al-Zaidi said the Council of Ministers has approved a draft law to be submitted to Parliament establishing an independent body for proactive oversight and auditing across all ministries and state institutions. The proposed authority is intended to enhance transparency, strengthen governance and improve the management of public funds.



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