A new era of partnership with Iraq

Skip to content

The views expressed by contributors are their own and not the view of The Hill

Next week’s Washington visit by Iraq’s new prime minister, Ali al-Zaidi, offers an opportunity to reset expectations about the U.S.-Iraq relationship. Too often, discussions of Iraq in Washington are viewed only through the lenses of conflict, terrorism or competition with Iran — all important, but they don’t define the full scope of the relationship.

Today, both Iraq and the U.S. have an opportunity to build a practical partnership centered on economic development, energy security and regional stability.

The relationship begins with a simple reality: both countries still need each other.

For Iraq, the U.S. remains an important security partner, a source of investment and technology, and a major international actor whose policies affect Iraq’s economic and diplomatic options. For the U.S., Iraq remains strategically important because of its location, energy resources, role in regional trade, and continuing importance in preventing the reemergence of extremist organizations such as the Islamic State.

At the same time, both governments must navigate difficult political realities. Iraq seeks to maintain productive relations with Washington while avoiding entanglement in conflicts between Iran and the U.S.-Israel. The U.S. seeks to support Iraq’s stability while limiting the influence of forces aligned with Iran. These objectives are not always in conflict, but they require careful management and realistic expectations.

The most immediate shared interest is security. Although the Islamic State (also known as ISIS) no longer controls large territories, it has not disappeared; its networks remain active in parts of Iraq and Syria. Both governments understand that security gains can erode if vigilance declines. Iraq’s security forces have matured over the past decade, but continued intelligence sharing, training and specialized support from America remains valuable.

Importantly, security cooperation today looks different from the large military presence that characterized earlier phases of U.S. involvement in Iraq. Iraqi leaders increasingly emphasize partnership rather than dependence. Their goal is not to host foreign combat operations but to strengthen Iraq’s own institutions so they can provide security independently — an objective that should be welcomed in Washington.

Another critical issue is the protection of sovereignty. Iraq’s leaders frequently find themselves balancing competing pressures from outside actors. Most Iraqis, regardless of political affiliation, don’t want Iraq becoming an arena for their conflicts. Al-Zaidi will likely emphasize that Iraq seeks constructive relations with all major partners while maintaining the freedom to make decisions based on Iraqi national interests.

This desire for sovereignty is not opposition to the U.S. On the contrary, a sovereign and stable Iraq was one of America’s justifications for the 2003 invasion. Respecting Iraq’s independence while maintaining strong cooperation can strengthen the relationship rather than weaken it.

Economic issues may ultimately prove more important than security concerns. Iraq possesses enormous natural resources; a young, educated population; and significant geographic advantages. Yet it faces persistent challenges, including electricity shortages, infrastructure deficits, high unemployment, and underinvestment in key sectors.

These challenges create opportunities for mutually beneficial cooperation. American companies possess expertise in energy production, power generation, grid modernization, digital infrastructure, logistics and advanced technology. Iraq needs partners to help transform its natural resource-based rentier economy to a provider of services, technology and sophisticated manufactured goods.

Energy is particularly important. Despite being a major oil producer, Iraq still struggles with electricity shortages and remains dependent on energy imports from Iran. Expanding domestic natural gas production, reducing wasteful gas flaring, modernizing the electricity grid, and increasing generation capacity would strengthen Iraq’s economy while enhancing its energy security.

This is where the interests of Baghdad and Washington align closely. Iraq wants greater energy independence. The U.S. wants Iraq to become less vulnerable to external pressure and supply disruptions. Investment and technology partnerships can help achieve both objectives.

Regional connectivity offers another promising area for cooperation. Iraq increasingly views itself not merely as an oil exporter but as a transportation and commercial hub connecting the Gulf, Turkey and the broader Middle East. Infrastructure projects linking ports, railways, roads and industrial zones could transform Iraq into a major trade corridor.

Such development would benefit not only Iraq but also regional stability. Countries that are connected through trade and investment generally have stronger incentives to maintain peaceful relations. A prosperous Iraq integrated into regional commerce would be a source of stability.

Yet no discussion of U.S.-Iraq relations can avoid the question of Iran. This remains the most sensitive issue likely to arise during any meeting between al-Zaidi and President Trump.

The U.S. is concerned about the influence of Iran-backed armed groups and networks operating inside Iraq. American officials will likely continue pressing Baghdad to strengthen state control over weapons, improve accountability, and protect American personnel from attacks.

Iraq’s leaders, however, face constraints that are often underappreciated abroad. Iraq shares a long border with Iran, maintains extensive economic ties with its neighbor, and must manage a complex domestic political landscape. Policies that appear straightforward from Washington can have complicated consequences inside Iraq.

The challenge for both sides is to avoid turning every issue into a test of allegiance. Iraq does not want to choose between the United States and Iran. Rather, it seeks productive relations with both while preserving its own interests. Whether Washington can grasp this approach or not, it reflects Iraq’s political reality.

The most successful outcome of al-Zaidi’s visit will be pragmatic, not dramatic. Instead of sweeping agreements or historic breakthroughs, success will consist of steady progress in areas of mutual interest.

Iraq is no longer the country it was 20 years ago, and U.S. policy should reflect that reality. Likewise, Iraq’s leaders have an opportunity to demonstrate that a sovereign Iraq can be both an independent regional actor and a reliable American partner.

James Durso is a regular commentator on foreign policy and national security matters. He served in the U.S. Navy for 20 years and has worked in Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Iraq.

Tags

Ali al-Zaidi

Iran

Iraq

Middle East

Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.