Washington (IraqiNews.com) — Iraqi Prime Minister and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces Ali Falih Al-Zaidi paid a high-profile visit to the Pentagon on Friday, meeting with US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth to deepen bilateral security and strategic collaboration.
Hegseth greeted Al-Zaidi with an official honor cordon at the Pentagon before the two leaders discussed military cooperation and wider security challenges between Iraq and the United States.
The Pentagon meeting came after Al-Zaidi met with US President Donald Trump at the White House, where they discussed boosting economic ties, luring American investment, and deepening the two nations' long-term strategic alliance.
While economic growth has dominated the prime minister's visit, conversations with US military officials are expected to focus on Iraq's changing security situation following the end of the US-led coalition's combat campaign against ISIS.
The negotiations come as Al-Zaidi's administration seeks to enhance state authority by ensuring that all weapons remain under government control, while also working to modernize Iraq's security institutions and bolster national sovereignty.
Washington has consistently urged Baghdad to restrict the impact of Iran-backed armed groups and strengthen security under the Iraqi state, making military cooperation a critical component of the strategic alliance, alongside burgeoning economic and energy ties.
Al-Zaidi's tour to Washington has included investment, financial, and security diplomacy, highlighting Iraq's aim to increase collaboration with the US while also pushing economic reforms and building national institutions.