Hegseth calls Zaidi to discuss security cooperation

BAGHDAD — U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth called Prime Minister-designate Ali al-Zaidi to congratulate him on his designation and discuss security cooperation under the Strategic Framework Agreement between the two countries, according to a statement from the prime minister’s media office.

The two discussed bilateral relations “across various fields” and stressed the importance of strengthening cooperation in training programs aimed at enhancing “the capabilities and efficiency of the Iraqi Armed Forces,” the statement said.

The call follows a phone call last week from U.S. President Donald Trump, who congratulated Zaidi and extended a formal invitation to visit Washington after the government is formed.

On Tuesday evening, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian also called Zaidi to congratulate him, with the two sides agreeing to exchange visits. During the call, Zaidi said Iraq supports “the diplomatic track and dialogue to resolve disputes and contain crises” and suggested Iraq could play “a mediating role between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the United States of America.”

Zaidi was nominated last week by the Coordination Framework following the withdrawal of both Maliki and incumbent Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani. He has 30 days to form a cabinet, draft a government program and secure approval from an absolute majority of parliament’s 329 members.