Trump says US no longer needs military in Iraq, touts new oil partnerships

President Donald Trump declared Tuesday that the United States no longer needs a military presence in Iraq, saying the relationship is shifting toward major oil and economic partnerships as he welcomed Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi to the White House. "We don't think we need the military there anymore," Trump told reporters during an Oval Office meeting, arguing that American oil companies are entering Iraq at unprecedented levels while Iran's influence over its neighbor has sharply declined. "They're doing partnerships with Iraq, and they're getting along very well," Trump said. "The relationship is a whole big relationship where we don't need the military there." Trump said Iran, which he described as the "bully of the Middle East," had been so weakened militarily that Iraq no longer faced the same pressure from Tehran. The president repeatedly praised al-Zaidi, calling him "a great leader" and predicting he would become an influential figure across the Middle East. Trump also said relations between Washington and Baghdad had gone from "not so good" to "outstanding." Trump welcomed al-Zaidi after applauding his April election victory and calling it the "beginning of a tremendous new chapter between our Nations — Prosperity, Stability, and Success like never seen before." "We love Iraq and they're well represented. This man just won a big election," Trump said as he greeted the prime minister at the White House. Trump had opposed the previous leading candidate, former Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, whom he viewed as too closely aligned with Iran. Before Iraq's government was formed, Trump warned he would cut off U.S. assistance if al-Maliki took office, arguing the country could not prosper without American support. "Because of his insane policies and ideologies, if elected, the United States of America will no longer help Iraq and, if we are not there to help, Iraq has ZERO chance of Success, Prosperity, or Freedom," Trump wrote on Truth Social. Iran remained a central topic during Tuesday's meeting. Iraq has faced mounting pressure to disarm Iran-backed militias operating within its borders, several of which launched attacks on U.S. military bases and diplomatic facilities after the U.S. and Israel began their military campaign against Iran in February. While the Iraqi government has ordered non-state armed groups to disarm by the end of September, some of the country's most powerful militias have publicly rejected the demand. Ahead of the meeting, a Trump administration official said the U.S. would make "informed" decisions about its relationship with Iraq based on Baghdad's progress in dismantling Iran-backed militias. The official spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss the administration's strategy before al-Zaidi's visit. Al-Zaidi's delegation included Iraqi business leaders and government officials. His office said the visit was intended to "strengthen economic and development partnerships, attract investment, and expand the role of U.S. companies in implementing infrastructure projects," while also advancing cooperation in Iraq's oil and energy sectors. Trump echoed those goals, saying Iraq's vast oil reserves and expanding partnerships with American companies would create jobs in both countries and mark a long-term shift from a military relationship to an economic one. _______________ Follow KRCG on social media: KRCG CBS 13 News on Facebook:   / krcgtv   KRCG CBS 13 News on Twitter:   / krcg13   KRCG CBS 13 News on Instagram:   / krcg13news   Subscribe to KRCG on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/KRCGNews... Watch more top local news stories:    • Local Content   For all of the day’s top local and national news, visit http://www.krcgtv.com/ Watch our live newscasts and other live video at https://krcgtv.com/watch Have a news tip? Send it directly to us: Email us: [email protected] Call the Newsroom: 573-896-5144 KRCG CBS 13 News offers coverage of news, sports, weather and local events in the Columbia and Jefferson City, Missouri area, including the community of New Bloomfield. #krcg #krcgnews #missourinews #cbs13news