The visit reflects growing U.S. expectations that Baghdad will reinforce state authority by bringing armed groups under government control, confiscating unauthorized weapons, and preventing militias from launching attacks against neighboring countries.
Al-Zaidi intends to present his disarmament proposal as part of a broader package that includes expanding economic ties with the United States, encouraging American investment in Iraq's infrastructure and energy sectors, and securing international assistance to stabilize Iraq's economy.
Despite these ambitions, doubts remain about whether Iraq possesses the political will and institutional capacity to implement such reforms. Deep-rooted corruption, competing political interests, and the continued influence of Iran-backed militias raise questions about the government's ability to fulfill its commitments.
The success of the Washington visit will depend largely on Al-Zaidi's ability to move beyond political promises and demonstrate a practical roadmap for reform. Key priorities include reducing Iranian influence over Iraqi affairs, improving governance and economic management, strengthening state control over armed groups, and rebuilding confidence with both the United States and Iraq's Arab neighbors.
The visit also occurs in a sensitive regional context following Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi's recent trip to Iraq. Iran's position on the proposed disarmament of militias remains a major concern, as many armed factions aligned with Tehran continue to reject any effort to surrender their weapons.
Al-Zaidi's upcoming trip comes at a time of heightened regional tensions following the recent conflict involving Iran, the United States, and Israel. Iraq has been directly affected by these developments, making the restoration of balanced foreign relations increasingly important.
The report argues that Iraq faces significant challenges in pursuing an independent and balanced foreign policy while responding to American demands regarding armed militias. At the same time, expanding economic cooperation with the United States could provide Iraq with much-needed investment and financial support to help prevent a deeper economic downturn.
Overall, the report portrays the Washington visit as a critical diplomatic opportunity that could redefine Iraq's foreign policy orientation. However, its ultimate success will depend on the Iraqi government's ability to translate reform commitments into concrete actions and convince both domestic and international stakeholders that meaningful change is achievable.
