WASHINGTON / RankWire.AI / – U.S. President Donald Trump and Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi engaged in discussions on broader economic and energy collaboration at the White House on Tuesday. Their talks centered on oil, natural gas, electricity, trade, and private sector investment. Trump indicated that the United States anticipates pursuing numerous commercial agreements with Iraq, including deals related to crude oil production. Neither government disclosed contract values, project timelines, nor a comprehensive list of signed accords. This meeting was the highlight of al-Zaidi’s official visit to Washington.
Al-Zaidi traveled accompanied by ministers, senior officials, and business leaders for negotiations spanning five economic sectors. Iraqi representatives identified energy, transport, technology, healthcare, and education as key topics. Baghdad has instructed its oil, electricity, and communications ministries to prioritize qualified American firms. Additionally, Iraq discussed banking and insurance reforms with U.S. financial institutions and business groups. Officials described the visit as a step toward establishing practical commercial ties between Iraq and the United States.
Energy talks included plans to increase crude oil output and develop natural gas resources for domestic consumption. Iraq also aims to attract investment in power generation and transmission, where supply shortages remain a significant issue. The cabinet approved an agreement with U.S.-based HKN Energy to develop the Himreen oilfield in northern Iraq. It also authorized the Electricity Ministry to finalize a broader cooperation agreement with General Electric, covering electricity generation, grid capacity, and transmission infrastructure.
Investment discussions centered on energy projects
Chevron has engaged with Iraqi authorities regarding major upstream projects, including the West Qurna 2 oilfield. Earlier this year, Baghdad replaced Russia’s Lukoil as the operator of the field. Iraqi officials have also held talks with Exxon Mobil, HKN Energy, and other U.S. companies. Al-Zaidi stated that his government plans to significantly boost oil production within three years. Iraq possesses substantial crude reserves and is a founding member of OPEC. Any increase in production must align with the OPEC+ supply framework applicable to Iraq.
At the White House, al-Zaidi emphasized that Iraq seeks a fair share of OPEC’s production quotas and intends to remain part of the group. He linked this request to Iraq’s reconstruction needs after years of conflict with the Islamic State. Al-Zaidi estimated damages at over $400 billion, noting that some displaced Iraqis still lack permanent homes. Iraq’s economy heavily depends on oil revenues to fund government operations, reconstruction, and public services. Consequently, oil and gas investment has become a central focus of Iraq’s economic agenda during the Washington visit.
Iraq advances plans for new crude export routes
Iraq has made progress on developing alternative crude export pathways. The Oil Ministry signed a preliminary agreement with a U.S.-Qatari consortium to conduct feasibility studies on the Kirkuk-Baniyas pipeline. This proposed route would extend from oilfields near Kirkuk to Syria’s Mediterranean coast. Additionally, Iraq initiated the Basra-Haditha pipeline project, which aims to handle a capacity of 2.5 million barrels per day. These initiatives are part of Iraq’s broader energy infrastructure development program.
The discussions in Washington also extended beyond energy, encompassing cooperation in communications, technology, transportation, and broader infrastructure development. Iraqi officials reported that the delegation met with U.S. government representatives, financial institutions, and corporate executives during their visit. Both nations highlighted economic cooperation as a key element of their bilateral relationship. Public statements following the White House meeting confirmed ongoing negotiations but did not disclose final terms for all projects currently under discussion.