ERBIL, Kurdistan Region of Iraq – Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi on Wednesday continued high-level meetings in Washington, holding talks with the US defense and treasury secretaries to discuss Iraq's anti-corruption efforts and strengthening the state's monopoly on weapons.

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday welcomed Zaidi at the White House, marking the premier’s first official overseas trip since assuming office two months ago. The two then held “a good meeting,” according to Trump, who added that he and Zaidi had “tremendous chemistry.”

Later, Zaidi met with Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, with the two discussing security and military relations between Baghdad and Washington. 

The discussion included ways to continue “intelligence sharing to support joint counterterrorism efforts and enhancing coordination to dismantle safe havens and support networks for terrorist activity,” a statement from Zaidi’s office said.

During the meeting, Zaidi directed the formation of a committee "to liaise with the American side to determine the nature of the security and military relationship between the two countries," according to the statement, as preparations continue for the withdrawal of US forces, which is scheduled to conclude by September 30.

In an earlier meeting with Trump, Zaidi emphasized a shift toward US-Iraq economic cooperation, saying US forces "will be out of Iraq" by the end of September, the same deadline the Iraqi government has set to complete the disarmament of non-state armed groups. 

By then, Zaidi said, "US investment will be in Iraq."

“To deepen our partnership, Iraq must assert its sovereignty and disarm the Iran-aligned militias responsible for 600+ attacks on US personnel this spring,” Hegseth wrote on X following the meeting. 

Since assuming office in Mid-May, Zaidi's moves to restrict weapons to the hands of the state - welcome news in Washington's corridors of power, where Iranian influence in Iraq has long been a thorn in the side - crack down on state corruption, and pave the way for heightened foreign investment have served to further boost his image from the US perspective.

Zaidi also met with US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent early Wednesday, noting that Iraq is at a "pivotal stage" and Baghdad's efforts to combat corruption and strengthen the state's monopoly on the use of force.

Bessent praised those efforts and said Washington is committed to shifting its relationship with Iraq "from a military presence to investment, economic development, and the advancement of the business sector," according to a statement from the prime minister's office.

Zaidi received praise from Trump during their Tuesday meeting at the White House, with the American president saying that Zaidi will be “one of the great leaders in the Middle East,” and highlighting the strong relationship between the two countries as a foundation for deeper cooperation.