Iraq PM Zaidi signs 48 deals with US firms during Washington visit, including oil and Starlink

Source: AFP

Iraq signed 48 agreements and partnerships with American companies — many in the oil sector — during a visit to the United States by Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi, his office said on Saturday (July 18, 2026).

Oil-rich Iraq has been striving to move past decades of war and unrest, but continues to struggle with poor infrastructure, failing public services, mismanagement, and endemic corruption. The country is in urgent need of an economic boost, particularly after losing revenue due to a halt in oil exports caused by the West Asia war.

Key Details of the Agreements

• A total of 48 agreements, memoranda of understanding, cooperation agreements, and partnership declarations were signed between public and private sector entities in Iraq and the United States.
• The deals include cooperation and partnerships involving the Ministries of Oil and Electricity with ExxonMobil, KBR, GE Vernova, Shell, and Halliburton.
• Several agreements relate to the construction of a major crude oil pipeline between Iraq and Syria.
• Iraq also signed a deal with Starlink, the dominant global satellite communications provider, to introduce services to the country.

Political Context

On Tuesday (July 14, 2026), U.S. President Donald Trump praised Mr. Zaidi as a "champion" during a meeting at the White House.

Mr. Zaidi, a businessman, came to power this year with U.S. backing after President Trump vetoed another candidate. He has pledged to boost Iraq's fragile economy and disarm pro-Iran armed groups in Iraq that have targeted U.S. facilities. Iraq has long navigated a delicate balance between the competing influences of its allies, the United States and neighboring Iran.