Exclusive: The Trump administration is “cautious” in dealing with al-Zaidi and is awaiting steps to form his government.
Exclusive: The Trump administration is “cautious” in dealing with al-Zaidi and is awaiting steps to form his government.
2026-05-08
Shafaq News – Washington
US Republican Party member Malik Francisco revealed on Friday that the appointment of Ali al-Zaidi to form the new Iraqi government has opened the door to questions about the nature of the anticipated relationship between Baghdad and Washington, especially in light of the presence of US President Donald Trump in the White House, and the different approach his administration takes towards the files of the Middle East, Iraq and Iran.
Francisco told Shafaq News Agency that the US administration “appears to be cautious in its dealings with Ali al-Zaidi, but it is not showing a direct hostile stance towards him.”
He explained that Washington views any Iraqi prime minister from the perspective of “interests, stability and regional balances, rather than focusing solely on political affiliations.”
He added that the Trump administration has a number of priorities in Iraq, foremost among them “protecting American interests, preventing the rise of armed groups, maintaining the stability of the energy market, as well as limiting Iranian expansion within Iraqi state institutions.”
According to Francisco, Washington’s acceptance of any new Iraqi government will remain contingent on its ability to strike a delicate balance between these complex issues.
He noted that Ali al-Zaidi understands that his government’s success “will not be possible without maintaining a stable relationship with the United States,” especially given Iraq’s need for economic support, investment, and security cooperation. Conversely, al-Zaidi faces “internal pressure from various political forces, some of which have close ties to Tehran.”
Francisco suggested that al-Zaidi would pursue a policy of appeasement and diplomatic openness, while trying to avoid any direct clash with Washington or with influential regional powers, in addition to seeking to present himself as a figure capable of balancing Iraqi interests and international relations.
He indicated that the real challenge will emerge in sensitive issues, most notably the future of the American military presence in Iraq, controlling the weapons of armed factions, the relationship with Iran, as well as Baghdad’s position on escalating regional tensions.
He stressed that these files will be the decisive factor in determining whether the relationship between the new Iraqi government and the Trump administration will move towards cooperation or towards mutual political pressure.
The US Republican Party member concluded by saying that Washington is not yet giving Ali al-Zaidi a “blank check,” but at the same time it is not treating him as an adversary.
He added that the US administration is closely monitoring his first steps, waiting to see if he will be able to present a balanced governmental model that maintains Iraq’s stability and prevents it from sliding again into an open regional conflict arena.
Last Monday, April 27, the Coordination Framework announced the nomination of Ali al-Zidi for the premiership. In a statement received by Shafaq News Agency, the Framework stated that an “important meeting” was held at the Government Palace in Baghdad, which symbolizes the continuity of state institutions and is the headquarters of the executive authority emanating from the will of the Iraqi people, during which al-Zidi was chosen as the head of the next government.
Two days after the Coordination Framework announced al-Zidi’s nomination, specifically on April 29, the United States Mission in Iraq expressed its support for Prime Minister-designate Ali al-Zidi.
In a statement received by Shafaq News Agency, the mission reiterated its solidarity with the Iraqi people seeking to achieve the common goals of preserving Iraq’s sovereignty, enhancing security to defeat terrorism, and building a prosperous future that brings tangible benefits to Americans and Iraqis.
The day after the US mission welcomed al-Zaidi, White House President Donald Trump wrote on the Truth Social platform, as reported by Shafaq News Agency, saying: “We congratulate Ali al-Zaidi on his nomination for the position of Prime Minister of Iraq, and we wish him success in his efforts to form a new government free of terrorism, capable of building a better future for Iraq.”
He added: “We look forward to a new, strong, and fruitful relationship between Iraq and the United States. This is the beginning of a new and prosperous chapter between our two countries, a chapter full of unprecedented prosperity, stability, and success.”
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