Iraqi PM Ali Faleh al-Zaidi and U.S. Envoy Tom Barrack reaffirmed their “shared aspirational vision” to implement comprehensive disarmament plans for all armed groups, as Washington “looks forward to welcoming” the Prime Minister at the White House in mid-July.

Al-Zaidi and Barrack met in Baghdad on Monday and issued a joint statement today, in which they reiterated a shared commitment of the U.S. and Iraqi governments “to a strong and mutually beneficial U.S.-Iraq partnership, able to fulfill Iraqi aspirations for a sovereign, secure, and prosperous future and to deliver tangible benefits for Americans and Iraqis alike.”

Barrack stated that President Donald Trump is set to welcome al-Zaidi next month to discuss the future of “this important relationship.”

Urgent Disarmament of All Armed Groups 

“The leaders discussed the shared aspirational vision for the Iraqi government to build a brighter future free from terrorism, to implement Iraqi plans for ensuring the complete disarmament and disbandment of all armed groups and formations operating outside the authority and control of the Iraqi state,” the joint statement highlighted.

Both sides emphasized plans to confine weapons to state authority and assert full sovereignty "to keep Iraq away from conflict and ensure Iraqi territory cannot be used by any side" to threaten peace in the region.

Both leaders underlined the "urgency in full completion" of all security initiatives.

U.S., Iraq Pledge Support for Democratic Unity and Citizen Equality

The two sides underscored their commitment to supporting a strong, sovereign, and united democratic Iraq. 

They said that fortifying robust constitutional institutions and guaranteeing full equality for all citizens remains essential to advancing the country's unity, stability, and prosperity.

Starlink Deal and Expanding Major Energy and Oil Partnerships 

Per the official statement, the Prime Minister reaffirmed Iraq’s commitment to deepening trade and investment relations, a shared approach welcomed by Special Presidential Envoy Barrack. 

Both officials commended the decision to finalize Starlink’s operating license to deliver world-class internet services to Iraqi consumers.

They also welcomed launching negotiations with Chevron to develop the West Qurna-2 and Nasiriyah oil fields, alongside granting full security guarantees for U.S. firms HKN, Western Zagros, and Hunt to resume operations. 

Furthermore, the sides backed a memorandum of understanding with TI Capital, an international infrastructure project management and investment firm, to rehabilitate the Kirkuk-Baniyas Pipeline as a vital export route. 

The leaders pledged to expand commercial cooperation to address Iraq’s electricity needs, highlighting Excelerate Energy’s project to develop an integrated LNG import terminal at Khor Zubair.

Al-Zaidi and Barrack emphasized the importance of supporting a strong, sovereign, and united federal democratic Iraq, grounded in robust constitutional institutions, and ensuring full equality for all citizens, in a manner that strengthens Iraq’s unity, stability, and prosperity.