Advisor to Iraqi PM ‘optimistic’ about US relations under Trump presidency

BAGHDAD — A top political adviser to Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani expressed cautious optimism about the potential for improved U.S.-Iraq relations if Donald Trump returns to the presidency.

“The first Trump term was not without challenges, although it did see the defeat of ISIS,” said Subhan Mulla Jiyad in an interview with state-run Al-Iraqiya. “Nonetheless, we look with optimism toward Trump’s return, as our relations with the United States are now framed within a formal, structured framework.”

Jayad emphasized Iraq’s interest in fostering stable and mutually respectful ties with the U.S., noting Baghdad’s hope for cooperation based on a strategic partnership.

On Nov. 9, 2024, Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ Al-Sudani congratulated U.S. President-elect Donald Trump in a phone call following Trump’s election victory. According to a statement from Al-Sudani’s office, both leaders underscored their commitment to strengthening the U.S.-Iraq strategic partnership.

Iraqi government spokesperson Basem Al-Awadi reiterated this sentiment in an interview with Al-Hadath, affirming Iraq’s respect for the democratic choices of the American people and its openness to enhancing ties with any U.S. administration.

Al-Awadi described the call between Al-Sudani and Trump as “very positive,” highlighting that both leaders conveyed a shared commitment to advancing bilateral relations.

Excerpt from Subhan Mulla Jiyad’s interview on Al-Iraqiya:

The Iraqi government is ready to engage with the new White House administration to proceed with previous understandings made with the Biden administration regarding the completion of the U.S. withdrawal from Iraq and the transition of relationships with coalition countries to bilateral relations.

The phone call between al-Sudani and Trump outlined the general framework of relations between the two countries. The call had received a green light from America, followed by congratulations, during which the Prime Minister expressed his aspirations to expand relations beyond security and military cooperation to include economic and technological ties, as the Iraqi people want to see a different side of America.

Trump expressed his willingness to cooperate with the Prime Minister’s vision, and there is hope for a meeting between them soon. The world is witnessing major changes, with some European countries beginning to prepare early for engagement with Trump’s policies.

In Iraq, we don’t hold many positive memories of Trump’s past policies; he did not even make an official visit to Iraq, and his only trip to Ain al-Asad base was not a traditional visit. Meanwhile, former prime ministers Abadi and Kadhimi visited him at the White House.

Trump’s first term was not ideal, even though it saw the defeat of ISIS. Nonetheless, we look with optimism toward Trump’s return, as our relations with the United States are now framed within a formal structure, and we wish to activate the strategic agreement with the U.S.

The State Administration Coalition, the current government’s political coalition, is adapting to the current shifts in the global landscape and trying to respond in a way that aligns with Iraq’s interests. We hope that Trump’s return will bring solutions to the region’s crises.

Iraq has opened its doors to American companies for some time, and some are investing in the energy sector, albeit on a limited scale. American companies declined to participate in the last two licensing rounds, despite a one-month extension.

The United States seeks from Iraq, alongside investment, security, military, and political cooperation, as the region is on a “hot plate” and experiencing deteriorating security conditions, not only as a region but also in terms of inter-state relations. For this reason, the Prime Minister has called for a regional security conference.