Iraq is moving closer to the United States, a shift signaled by Prime Minister Zaidi's meeting with President Trump and plans to disarm Iran-backed militias operating in the country. The development marks a notable change in Baghdad's posture after years of balancing ties between Washington and Tehran.
What the meeting signals
Zaidi's visit to the White House was the first by an Iraqi prime minister in several years. The two leaders discussed security cooperation, economic ties, and the future of the U.S. military presence in Iraq. The meeting itself, and the public statements that followed, pointed to a warming relationship.
Disarming the militias
A central piece of the new direction is a plan to disarm Iran-backed militias. These groups have operated with significant autonomy inside Iraq, often targeting U.S. forces and undermining the central government's authority. The plan would require those militias to hand over heavy weapons and integrate into the official security forces. It's a risky move that challenges Tehran's influence in the region.
Regional reactions
Iran has long viewed Iraq as a strategic ally. The shift toward Washington is likely to strain that relationship. Meanwhile, the U.S. has welcomed the move but has not yet committed to new aid or troop levels. The Iraqi government will need to navigate internal opposition from factions loyal to Iran.
The disarmament plan has no set timeline. Implementation will depend on the cooperation of militia leaders and the ability of Iraq's security forces to assert control. The coming weeks will test whether the shift is real.
