The Al-Zaidi Washington visit has drawn strong opposition from the Islamic Resistance in Iraq ahead of Monday’s scheduled talks. The Iran-aligned network rejected Prime Minister Ali Falih al-Zaidi’s trip and criticised the timing of his visit.
In a Sunday statement, the group linked its opposition to renewed regional hostilities involving the United States and Israel. It argued that the visit coincides with widespread grief over continuing violence across the Middle East.
The group accused Washington and Israel of committing crimes across Iraq, Iran, Lebanon, Yemen, and Palestine. Moreover, it said ongoing regional bloodshed made the prime minister’s planned visit unacceptable.
Therefore, the Islamic Resistance declared its “principled rejection” of the trip. It said anger and sorrow remain widespread among communities affected by the regional conflict.
Al-Zaidi has received strong American support since taking office in May. US President Donald Trump personally congratulated the Iraqi leader during a telephone conversation.
Trump also expressed hopes for a productive bilateral relationship and invited Al-Zaidi to Washington. Since then, Baghdad has highlighted economic cooperation as a major focus of its foreign policy.
Iraqi government spokesperson Haider al-Aboudi described Monday’s visit as part of Baghdad’s balanced approach to international relations. He said the government seeks partnerships based on shared interests.
Furthermore, Iraqi officials expect economic relations and investment opportunities to feature prominently during the discussions. Baghdad increasingly wants to expand ties with Washington beyond military and security cooperation.
Financial adviser Mudher Mohammed Salih said relations are moving towards a wider investment and development partnership. He linked this shift to the government’s long-term Iraq Vision 2050 objectives.
Meanwhile, Iraqi lawmakers have pursued legislative changes designed to simplify foreign investment procedures. Government advisers have also suggested American companies could receive priority in future contracts.
However, the Al-Zaidi Washington visit has raised concerns among Iran-aligned armed factions over potential agreements with American companies. The Islamic Resistance demanded parliamentary scrutiny for any agreements resulting from the talks.
The group specifically warned against using memorandums or cooperation frameworks to bypass legislative oversight. It argued that international recognition should not require Iraq to surrender its independent decision-making.
Additionally, the network warned foreign companies against monopolising Iraqi resources or violating public rights. It maintained that defending Iraq’s interests remains a central priority.
The group also questioned potential commercial connections between foreign companies and Israel. However, it did not provide detailed evidence supporting every allegation within its statement.
At the same time, the resistance expressed support for government efforts against corruption. Nevertheless, it said this support does not provide unlimited approval for every government policy.
The network warned against projects that could affect future generations or strengthen foreign influence over Iraq’s resources. It also urged Baghdad to carefully examine international investment partnerships.
The dispute comes as Al-Zaidi’s government pushes to place all weapons under state authority. Washington has supported this objective for several years.
Several Iran-aligned Iraqi factions have already signalled willingness to surrender weapons and join official security institutions. Some groups have also expressed readiness to change their relationship with the Popular Mobilization Forces.
Al-Zaidi recently said his government had made progress towards disarming several armed groups. He also highlighted efforts to integrate some faction members into state institutions.
However, the Islamic Resistance in Iraq remains an influential network of Iran-aligned Shiite armed factions. The groups have maintained links with Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
During regional hostilities, factions within the network launched drones and missiles towards American interests in Iraq and elsewhere. Their activities also heavily affected the Kurdistan Region.
The groups previously claimed attacks targeting diplomatic, military, and security locations. Attacks also struck residential areas, hotels, and positions linked to Kurdish Peshmerga forces.
Meanwhile, Baghdad has intensified its anti-corruption campaign under Al-Zaidi’s leadership. The government views stronger accountability as essential for improving Iraq’s investment environment.
In late June, security forces entered Baghdad’s heavily fortified Green Zone during a major anti-corruption operation. Authorities arrested numerous senior officials and lawmakers over alleged corruption and public resource theft.
The government hopes these measures will improve investor confidence and strengthen state institutions. Furthermore, Baghdad wants international companies to view Iraq as a more reliable investment destination.
The Al-Zaidi Washington visit now comes at a sensitive moment for Iraq’s domestic and foreign policy. The prime minister must balance American cooperation with pressure from powerful armed and political factions.
Monday’s talks could shape Baghdad’s economic relationship with Washington and influence future American investment. However, resistance factions have made clear that they will closely scrutinise any resulting agreements.
