Iraq PM to Meet Trump in Washington Under Pressure Over Iran Ties

Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi will meet US President Donald Trump in Washington on Tuesday, as the US administration piles pressure on Baghdad to curb Iranian influence.

His visit comes against the backdrop of renewed military escalation between the United States and Iran, Iraq's main allies. Washington and Tehran's enmity has long turned Iraq into a proxy battleground and left successive governments struggling to maintain a delicate balance between



the two foes.

Zaidi arrived in Washington on Monday for his first international visit since assuming office -- a week-long trip during which he will meet Trump, US officials and representatives of oil companies. 

A businessman who came to power this year with US blessing after Trump vetoed another candidate, Zaidi vowed to boost Iraq's fragile economy and to disarm the pro-Iran armed groups that have targeted US facilities.