Trump backs Iraq PM nominee Ali al-Zaidi, eyes new US-Iraq chapter
Synopsis
Trump's public congratulations to Ali al-Zaidi is more than a diplomatic courtesy — it is a clear signal that Washington is invested in Baghdad's next government. With the US-Iraq Strategic Framework Agreement as the backbone of ties, the message frames al-Zaidi's nomination as a potential reset in a relationship that has been turbulent since 2003.
Key Takeaways
US President Donald Trump congratulated Ali al-Zaidi on his nomination as Iraq's next Prime Minister on 1 May 2025 .
Trump called for a government "free from terrorism" and expressed hope for a "strong, vibrant, and highly productive" US-Iraq relationship.
The US and Iraq operate under the US-Iraq Strategic Framework Agreement (SFA) , which governs diplomatic, economic, and security ties.
The United States supported Iraq's liberation from ISIS control, declared in December 2017 , in coordination with the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS .
Iraq is described by US officials as a key regional partner playing an increasingly constructive role in the Middle East .
US President Donald Trump on Thursday, 1 May congratulated Ali al-Zaidi on his nomination as Iraq's next Prime Minister, signalling Washington's support for a new government in Baghdad and expressing optimism about a stronger bilateral relationship. The statement, posted on Trump's official social media platform, marks one of the most direct US endorsements of an Iraqi leadership transition in recent years.
Trump's Message to al-Zaidi
In his post, Trump said:
Point of View
'prosperity, stability, and success like never seen before' — is characteristic, but the substance underneath it matters. A US president publicly endorsing an Iraqi PM nominee before a government is even formed sends a signal not just to Baghdad but to Tehran, which has significant influence over Iraqi politics. Whether al-Zaidi can actually form a government 'free from terrorism' — a phrase that carries loaded meaning in Iraq's fractured political landscape — remains the central question. Washington has backed Iraqi transitions before; the test is always in the follow-through.
NationPress
1 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Ali al-Zaidi, nominated as Iraq's next Prime Minister?
Ali al-Zaidi has been nominated as Iraq's next Prime Minister, with US President Donald Trump publicly congratulating him on 1 May 2025. Details about his political background were not specified in the official statement, but his nomination comes during a sensitive political transition in Iraq.
Why did Trump publicly back Ali al-Zaidi's nomination?
Trump's statement signals US support for a new Iraqi government aligned with Washington's goals of stability, counter-terrorism, and a stronger bilateral relationship. The US maintains a long-term strategic partnership with Iraq under the US-Iraq Strategic Framework Agreement (SFA).
What is the US-Iraq Strategic Framework Agreement?
The US-Iraq Strategic Framework Agreement (SFA) is the formal basis of bilateral relations between the United States and Iraq, covering diplomatic, political, economic, and security engagement. It has governed the relationship since the post-2003 reconstruction period.
What role did the US play in Iraq's fight against ISIS?
In coordination with the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS, the United States supported Iraq's military campaign that led to the December 2017 milestone of liberating the country from ISIS territorial control. Following that, the US increased stabilisation efforts in formerly ISIS-held areas.
What did Trump say about the future of US-Iraq relations?
Trump described al-Zaidi's nomination as 'the beginning of a tremendous new chapter between our nations,' expressing hope for 'prosperity, stability, and success like never seen before.' He also called for a new Iraqi government 'free from terrorism.'
