As Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani prepares for his upcoming visit to Washington next week, a senior State Department official has outlined the priorities and expectations for the high-profile meetings. While security and defense relations between the US and Iraq will be discussed, they will not dominate the agenda. Instead, the focus will largely be on strengthening economic ties and cooperation in various sectors, including education, environment, and development.
During his visit, Prime Minister Sudani is scheduled to meet with key US leaders, including President Joe Biden, Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, and Secretary of State Antony Blinken. “The defense and security relationship will be an important part of the discussion,” the official stated during a press briefing. However, the primary emphasis will be on broader issues that underscore the bilateral relationship’s future direction.
The talks come at a critical time as both nations engage in dialogue over the future of the US-led military coalition in Iraq. This follows recent tensions and engagements between US forces and Shi’ite Muslim armed groups in the region, compounded by the broader regional conflicts, including Israel’s war in Gaza. In January, Prime Minister Sudani expressed his intention to see an end to the US military presence in Iraq, a topic likely to be addressed during his visit.
The US and Iraq have a complex history, with American troops initially invading Iraq in 2003, withdrawing in 2011, and then returning in 2014 to assist in the fight against Islamic State militants. The upcoming discussions in Washington are expected to further define the scope of the US-Iraqi partnership, moving towards a new phase of mutual cooperation.
