Iraqi PM, US National Security Adviser discuss oil, security in phone call

BAGHDAD — Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani and U.S. National Security Advisor Mike Waltz pledged to strengthen Iraq-U.S. ties in a phone call Sunday, emphasizing investments in energy, boosting bilateral trade, and collaborating on regional security challenges.

Al-Sudani “emphasized Iraq’s commitment to expanding economic relations with the United States, encouraging American companies to invest in Iraq’s growing market,” according to a statement from the Prime Minister’s office. He also highlighted reforms designed to create “a more stable, transparent, and attractive environment for investors.”

Waltz, in his own statement, said he “emphasized the importance of moving towards a win-win relationship based on mutual security interests and enhanced trade.” He urged Iraq to welcome more American energy firms and called on Al-Sudani to work with the Kurdistan Regional Government to resolve “remaining contract disputes and pay arrears owed to U.S. energy companies.”

Energy independence featured prominently in the discussion. Al-Sudani’s office said the United States “renewed its commitment to supporting Iraq’s energy independence and expressed its willingness to cooperate in accelerating the achievement of this goal.” Waltz linked the Trump administration’s decision to end a sanctions waiver on Iranian electricity exports aligned with its “maximum pressure” strategy on Iran, adding that “pressure on Iran would increase if Iran continued to develop a nuclear weapons capability and support terrorism across the region, including in Iraq.”

Both sides stressed the importance of security coordination to uphold Iraq’s sovereignty. Waltz “reaffirmed the United States’ firm commitment to Iraq’s security and stability in facing regional and international challenges,” according to the Prime Minister’s office. They agreed on the need for continued partnership to advance long-term peace in the region.

Waltz also expressed concern about recent flooding in Baghdad and extended Ramadan greetings to Al-Sudani. He thanked the prime minister for his “commitment to the bilateral U.S-Iraqi relationship” and reiterated Washington’s aim of improving economic and energy cooperation.

Notably, Waltz’s statement mentioned topics not addressed in Al-Sudani’s remarks, including his request that Iraq “work with the Kurdistan Regional Government to address remaining contract disputes and pay arrears owed to U.S. energy companies.” Waltz also “requested that the Iraqi government retain an investment coordinator to work with U.S. companies seeking to invest and operate in Iraq.”