Story perspectives

Iraqi PM Signs $12B Iran Deals After Trump Visit

7/24/2026

Summary

Story summary

Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi met President Donald Trump in the United States on July 19, 2026, traveled to Iran and signed memoranda of understanding with President Masoud Pezeshkian covering foreign affairs, finance, economy and energy.
The statement affirmed Iraq’s cooperation with Iran and declared Iraq would not accept hostile action against Iran.
Iraq and Iran pledged to accelerate the Basra-Shalamcheh railway, noted $12 billion trade, and agreed to alternate a High Commission.

History

Historical Context

The Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, signed in Vienna on 14 July 2015 by Iran and the P5+1, lifted UN nuclear sanctions and unlocked billions in oil revenue. Its trade framework now underlies the July 2026 Iraq-Iran memoranda on joint projects such as the Basra-Shalamcheh railway, prompting the United States to reassess its Middle-East strategy.

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Story summary

Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi met President Donald Trump in the United States on July 19, 2026, traveled to Iran and signed memoranda of understanding with President Masoud Pezeshkian covering foreign affairs, finance, economy and energy.
The statement affirmed Iraq’s cooperation with Iran and declared Iraq would not accept hostile action against Iran.
Iraq and Iran pledged to accelerate the Basra-Shalamcheh railway, noted $12 billion trade, and agreed to alternate a High Commission.

1 / 2