The US-Iraq Relationship and its Implications for Regional Stability

In a notable indication of the seriousness of the strategic relationship between Iraq and the United States of America, the phone call between Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani and US President-elect Donald Trump has given it a new dimension. This call caught observers' and analysts’ attention. It introduced a critical phase in the relationship just before Trump begins his four-year term, which the entire world is looking forward to with great anticipation and interest.
For his part, President Sudani affirmed Iraq's commitment to strengthening ties with Washington. Following the phone call with President Trump last month, he elaborated on his vision for a future based on "equality and shared interests." This commitment to the strategic partnership reflects Iraq's need to reinforce security, but it is also broader in scope and encompasses the finance, energy, and technology sectors. This commitment is part of Iraq's effort to maintain its sovereignty, develop its capabilities, and develop, as well as to maintain balanced and distinguished relations with both neighboring countries and the world at large.
It is clear that Iraq is striving for a real balance between security and the economy that meets its aspirations, making up for opportunities missed by previous governments over the years, and for the challenges and setbacks they faced. Iraq’s strategic partnership with the United States is founded on military and security cooperation. Thus, the current government intends to deepen this partnership and identify more beneficial avenues for cooperation, with economic issues at the forefront, in order to advance the government’s program to achieve prosperity and stability in the medium and long term.
Given their shared commitment to the fight against terrorism and to ensuring regional security, both parties are betting on Iraq's stature, as a key player in the region, and its role on the frontlines of the fight against terrorism in all of its forms. The international coalition led by the United States witnessed the sacrifices made by the Iraqi security forces over years of ferocious combat with terrorist forces. Indeed, US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken recently emphasized this recognition and Washington’s gratitude for Iraq’s role in this regard.
With ISIS significantly weakened, Iraq and the United States are now focusing on the next phase of security cooperation. Both parties recognize that the remnants of ISIS’s ideological discourse continue to pose a threat to stability, not only in the region but across the globe. The movements of the organization’s cells from the Horn of Africa and other areas are clear evidence of this. Therefore, US assistance- through training, and intelligence sharing- will remain of utmost importance, especially given Iraq's need for support to secure its borders and maintain domestic security until its integrated security and military system becomes self-sufficient.
It is clear that combating terrorism will remain the foundational pillar of the Iraqi-American relationship in the near term. However, looking to the future, both countries understand the importance of expanding their partnership to include other sectors such as economic development and investment. During his visit to Washington last April, Sudani said that Iraq sought to "open a new chapter" in its relationship with the United States, stressing commercial and investment opportunities. This shift aligns with the ongoing economic shifts in Iraq, which has made notable progress in modernizing its banking sector and enhancing global trust through partnerships with major American financial institutions such as JPMorgan Chase and Citibank.
The energy sector remains the basic pillar of the economic relationship between the two countries. As one of the largest oil producers in the world, Iraq has a significant influence on global energy markets. Ongoing reforms in Iraq's energy sector, such as optimizing the use of associated gas, are aimed at drawing more American investment. Partnerships like our joint project to develop gas fields and energy projects with the French company TotalEnergies reflect this commitment. Additionally, investments in energy infrastructure projects, such as the development of a liquefied natural gas plant in the Port of Faw in collaboration with the American company KBR, reinforce Iraq's role as a central player in global energy markets.
Beyond security and energy, the two countries are opening new avenues for cooperation in agriculture, healthcare, technology, and education. Iraq, which seeks to diversify its economy and overcome the legacy of past conflicts, aspires to build partnerships that strengthen its infrastructure and develop its human capital. These partnerships provide mutual benefits; they offer US companies access to a rapidly evolving market, while Iraq benefits from advanced US expertise and technology.
The Iraqi-American relationship is for stability and prosperity in the region. As Iraq continues to rebuild and affirm its sovereignty, the United States remains an indispensable partner. Nonetheless, for this partnership to succeed, it must be based on mutual respect and shared interests. As an independent state, Iraq's relationship, whether with the United States or any other country, should reinforce its sovereignty and national priorities.
The opportunities available for expanding this partnership are immense. If it is committed to, this partnership can reach unprecedented levels, benefitting both countries and ensuring regional stability for decades to come.