Iraq's PM seeks US energy investment
Ali al-Zaidi will press for major U.S. funding in oil, gas and power during a White House visit this week, officials said.
Mateo Fernandez ·
Iraq's new prime minister, Ali al-Zaidi, will visit the White House this week to seek major U.S. investment in the country's oil, gas and power sectors, officials said. The trip is framed as a response to output losses and fiscal strain after the Iran war reduced crude production.
Pitch for oil, gas and power
Officials said al-Zaidi aims to secure long-term financing, technology transfers and project commitments that could rebuild upstream capacity and shore up the state budget. The government is prioritising rapid repairs to export infrastructure and new gas-to-power projects to address chronic electricity shortfalls.
Analysts note that fresh foreign investment would free Baghdad from short-term budget pressures and could raise exportable crude and gas volumes over several years. For global energy markets, higher Iraqi output would exert modest downward pressure on prices if projects move quickly; delays would keep supply tighter.
U.S. engagement could also reshape contracting and governance practices, officials said, by tying finance to transparency and contractual reform. Private-sector contractors and regional partners are likely to follow any large announcements.
Expect public updates during the week of July 13, 2026, with specific memorandums of understanding or investment frameworks possible before the visit concludes. Officials said next steps will depend on technical due diligence and negotiating timetables.