Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi and US Special Envoy for Syria and Iraq Tom Barrack on Tuesday reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening ties between Baghdad and Washington, focusing on security, economic cooperation, energy development, and technology investment ahead of the premier’s expected visit to the United States next month.

According to a statement from the Iraqi Prime Minister’s Office, the two officials underscored the importance of the partnership between Iraq and the United States in supporting a sovereign, secure, and stable Iraq.

During the meeting, Barrack announced that US President Donald Trump is expected to host al-Zaidi at the White House in mid-July, where both sides will discuss the future of strategic relations between the two countries.

Security issues featured prominently in the talks, with both sides reviewing the Iraqi government’s plans to disarm armed groups operating outside state authority and ensure that all weapons remain under government control.

“The goal of this step is to ensure that weapons remain exclusively in the hands of the state, keep Iraq away from regional conflicts, and prevent Iraqi territory from being used as a threat to regional peace,” the statement said.

On the economic front, Iraq approved the final procedures necessary to grant operating licenses to Starlink, clearing the way for the satellite internet provider to begin offering services nationwide.

The statement also highlighted progress in the energy sector, including the launch of negotiations with Chevron to develop the West Qurna 2 and Nasiriyah oil fields.

Baghdad has further provided security guarantees and facilitation measures to support the resumption of operations by HKN Energy, WesternZagros, and Hunt Oil.

The two sides also discussed implementation of a memorandum of understanding with TI Capital to rehabilitate the Kirkuk-Baniyas oil pipeline, which Iraqi officials consider a strategic future export route.

Efforts to address Iraq’s chronic electricity shortages were also reviewed, including cooperation with Excelerate Energy on a floating liquefied natural gas import terminal at Khor al-Zubair.

The meeting concluded with both sides reaffirming support for a federal, democratic, strong, and unified Iraq that guarantees equal rights for all citizens while contributing to long-term stability and economic recovery.