WASHINGTON – U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Friday that he spoke with Iraq’s prime minister-designate Ali al-Zaidi on Thursday, offering full American support for his leadership amid regional instability.
Trump, departing the White House for Florida, described Zaidi’s nomination by Iraq’s Shi’ite Coordination Framework as a great victory and pledged U.S. backing all the way. The endorsement follows Trump’s earlier pressure that sidelined pro-Iran rival Nouri al-Maliki, securing Zaidi’s selection after months of deadlock.
Washington aims to strengthen ties with Baghdad to counter security threats and maintain influence. Zaidi, tasked with forming a new government within 30 days, has been invited to visit the U.S. capital once his cabinet wins parliamentary approval.