On Friday, US President Trump told reporters that he had a phone call with the Iraqi Prime Minister-designate Ali al-Zaidi the day before and expressed strong support for him. “With our help, he won the victory, and we hope he performs outstandingly. I told him that the United States will fully support him,” Trump said before leaving the White House for Florida. “This is a great victory, and the new leader of Iraq is someone we strongly support.”
The Shia political alliance in Iraq, the Coordination Framework, announced in a statement on Monday that they have nominated al-Zaidi as the prime minister candidate. Against the backdrop of regional tensions and ongoing security concerns, Washington is seeking to maintain close ties with Baghdad.
Trump congratulated al-Zaidi on Thursday for being elected as the new prime minister of Iraq, saying that his nomination signifies the beginning of a “significant new chapter” between the two countries. “We wish him success in forming a new government that is free from terrorism and can bring a brighter future to Iraq,” Trump stated on his platform “Truth Social.”
“This marks the beginning of a significant new chapter between our two countries – prosperity, stability, and success will reach unprecedented heights. Congratulations again, Ali!” he emphasized.
While Trump expressed strong support for al-Zaidi, Washington sees him as a key figure in stabilizing the regional situation and breaking free from the shadow of terrorism. The US hopes the new government will maintain distance from extremist forces and armed groups influenced by foreign intervention to ensure American strategic interests and security cooperation in the region.
In contrast, Trump had previously publicly opposed the candidacy of former Prime Minister Nouri Al-Maliki. Maliki was criticized for implementing sectarian policies during his tenure, which exacerbated internal conflicts in Iraq and was thought to have overly close ties with Iran.
Against the backdrop of the current US-Iran tensions, Washington fears that if Maliki regains power, it will strengthen Iran’s influence in Iraq, thereby threatening stability in the Middle East and the operational security of US military forces.