President Trump met with Iraq’s new Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi in the Oval Office, predicting a new era of collaboration and stating, “We love Iraq.” The meeting occurred amid U.S. pressure on Baghdad to reduce Iran’s influence.

Trump highlighted Iraq’s “tremendous potential,” particularly its oil, and expressed his intent to “be doing a lot of deals.” This comes after the Trump administration had previously cut funding to Iraqi security forces and temporarily blocked Baghdad’s access to U.S. dollars, aiming to curb financial ties with Iran.

Al-Zaidi, a businessman with no prior political experience, has sought to position himself as a partner to Trump. His government has initiated efforts like persuading militias to disarm and launching an anti-corruption drive. He aims to secure energy and economic deals to foster U.S. investment and distance Iraq from Iran, despite recent funeral ceremonies held in Iraq for Iran’s late supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.