Trump hails new Iraq PM

TDT | Washington

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US President Donald Trump praised new Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi as a "champion" in a meeting at the White House yesterday, even as Washington presses Baghdad to curb Iranian influence.

Trump hinted at making major oil deals with Iraq as he hosted Zaidi, a businessman who came to power this year with US blessing after Trump vetoed another candidate.

"We have a fantastic champion, a new champion," Trump said as he welcomed the Iraqi premier to the Oval Office. "He's been a great fighter and a great fan of America."

Trump said he had even decided to hold an unscheduled lunch with al-Zaidi because of their "tremendous chemistry."

Zaidi has vowed to boost Iraq's fragile economy and disarm pro-Iran armed groups that have targeted US facilities.

He said he would not accept any armed groups outside state control once US forces leave Iraq on September 30, when the US-led anti-jihadist coalition's mission ends.

"On September 30th, American forces will leave, and American companies will enter," Zaidi said. "After 30 September, we will not allow any entity to bear arms outside the state."

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

"We're going to be doing a lot of deals," Trump said. "We're going to create a lot of jobs for both countries, and we're going to be taking out a lot of oil."