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Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi has identified energy cooperation as the quickest path to stronger ties with Washington, according to a Gulf Times report that coincided with the start of his visit. The July 13-18 trip to the White House focuses on drawing major US capital into upstream oil ventures, power generation and liquefied natural gas projects strained by recent regional conflict. Al-Zaidi, who assumed office in May, brings a multimillionaire business background that officials believe will aid negotiations with American partners.
Negotiations with Chevron have emerged as a key element of the Iraqi strategy, four Iraqi oil officials familiar with the talks told Reuters. The discussions also cover security guarantees for US operators in the semi-autonomous Kurdistan region and the revival of export pipelines to Mediterranean markets. Support for additional US-backed power and LNG initiatives forms part of the package al-Zaidi is presenting during the visit.
The cabinet has instructed the Basra Oil Company to exempt US firms from selected regulatory requirements as an incentive for investment, the Gulf Times reported. Recent steps include a development agreement with HKN Energy for the Himreen oilfield and the Electricity Ministry’s finalisation of expanded cooperation with General Electric on infrastructure. Al-Zaidi has directed that American companies receive priority across energy, telecommunications, technology and broader development sectors.
Reuters reported that the initiative forms part of Baghdad’s wider effort to intensify economic cooperation with the United States, building on earlier understandings reached with Chevron, ExxonMobil, HKN and others. Security around oil sites has been reinforced since the defeat of Islamic State and further strengthened following the Iran conflict, according to the same officials. The moves reflect a policy shift intended to change perceptions of Iraq as a challenging destination for foreign capital.
An Atlantic Council analysis from October 2025 noted that US energy companies including ExxonMobil, Chevron and HKN had signed significant deals with Baghdad in the preceding months. Those agreements spanned oilfield development and power-sector expansion, creating momentum for the current high-level talks in Washington. Al-Zaidi’s visit is expected to clarify the scale of additional commitments American firms are willing to undertake.
The prime minister’s business experience is seen as an advantage in persuading US corporations to increase their presence amid ongoing regional fragility, Iraqi officials stated. The outreach comes as Iraq seeks to leverage its resource base while operating under OPEC+ production limits that have constrained revenues. Discussions during the trip will extend beyond energy to other areas of bilateral cooperation.
