You're reading an excerpt from Al-Monitor Washington, your guide to the latest in US-Middle East diplomacy. To read the full newsletter, sign up here.
WASHINGTON — The Trump administration is closely watching Iraq’s new prime minister-designate, Ali al-Zaidi, for signs he could pivot the country away from Iranian influence.
President Donald Trump has so far spoken favorably about Zaidi, describing the Iraqi businessman and political newcomer as “a very good man” and extending an invitation for him to visit the White House once he forms a new government. Zaidi has held separate calls with both Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth since his April 27 selection by the Coordination Framework, an alliance of Shiite-led parties that holds the largest bloc in parliament.
The Coordination Framework initially tapped Shiite politician Nouri al-Maliki, who served as Iraq's prime minister from 2006 to 2014, but didn’t advance his nomination after Trump threatened to cut US aid in January, concerned a pro-Iran government would take root should Maliki return for a third term.
AL-MONITOR All-Access gives you unlimited access to all our journalism, the full Daily Briefing, exclusive interviews, premium newsletters, and live events — for less than $2/week.