Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Al-Zaidi and US Special Presidential Envoy Tom Barrack wrapped up talks in Baghdad on Tuesday, focusing on security, energy, and economic cooperation between the two countries.
One of the biggest topics was Iraq’s plan to complete the disarmament of armed groups operating outside government control. Both sides agreed that all weapons should be placed under the authority of the Iraqi state and that the process should move forward without delay.
The Iraqi government has set the end of September as the deadline for disarmament. Some groups, including Asaib Ahl Al-Haq and Kataib Imam Ali, have indicated they are willing to comply. However, larger Iran-backed factions such as Kataib Hezbollah and Harakat al-Nujaba have rejected the timeline, saying they will only consider disarmament after all foreign troops leave Iraq. The withdrawal of coalition forces is also scheduled for September under an agreement between Baghdad and Washington.
The meeting also produced progress on several major energy and business projects.
Iraq officially completed the licensing process for Starlink, paving the way for the satellite internet service to enter the Iraqi market and provide high-speed internet access across the country.
Baghdad also launched negotiations with Chevron to develop the West Qurna-2 and Nasiriyah oil fields. The move follows Iraq’s decision earlier this year to nationalize West Qurna-2 after US sanctions affected Russia’s Lukoil.
In addition, US companies HKN, Western Zagros, and Hunt received approval to restart operations in Iraq with full security guarantees from the government.
The two sides also moved forward with plans to rehabilitate the Kirkuk-Baniyas pipeline, an important project that could create a new route for Iraqi oil exports. The pipeline would transport crude oil from northern Iraq to Syria’s Mediterranean coast, helping Iraq diversify its export options and reduce reliance on southern Gulf ports.
Energy cooperation was another major focus. Both governments reaffirmed support for Excelerate Energy’s project to build an integrated liquefied natural gas import terminal at Khor Zubair. The project is expected to strengthen Iraq’s electricity sector and expand energy cooperation with the United States.
Barrack’s visit comes just weeks after he praised the new Iraqi government and expressed Washington’s willingness to work with Prime Minister Al-Zaidi on a new agenda focused on stability, economic growth, and stronger bilateral ties.
Looking ahead, Prime Minister Al-Zaidi is expected to visit Washington in mid-July at the invitation of President Donald Trump. The visit will focus on strategic relations, investment opportunities, and economic cooperation, and will be Al-Zaidi’s first foreign trip since taking office.
