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Iraqi officials express desire for strong relations with US despite arrest warrants for Donald Trump.
Donald Trump‘s return to the White House for a historic second term has reignited scrutiny over US-Iraq relations, already strained by an Iraqi arrest warrant issued in 2021 for Trump. The warrant stems from a 2020 US drone strike that killed Iranian General Qassem Soleimani and Iraqi militia leader Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis.
Despite the tensions, Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani and President Abdul Latif Rashid congratulated Trump on Tuesday, expressing hopes for stronger bilateral ties. Meanwhile, ongoing discussions about the withdrawal of US troops from Iraq highlight the intricate and challenging nature of the partnership.
Iraqi lawmakers and analysts have largely dismissed the arrest warrant as a symbolic gesture. Aryan Tawagozi, chair of the Iraq-US Interparliamentary Friendship Committee, told The New Arab, “The arrest warrant against Donald Trump lacks any legal, political, or diplomatic force. It is more a matter of internal engagement within Iraq. There is no practical mechanism to enforce it internationally, and its existence should not be misinterpreted as a sign of poor relations between Baghdad and Washington.”
Echoing this sentiment, Iraqi political and security expert Ghani al-Ghadhban stated, “The warrant holds no international weight. As President, Trump enjoys political immunity, and such matters are typically resolved internally within Iraq. Even domestically, its relevance is more rhetorical than actionable.”
This development comes as leaked audio from Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani revealed concerns about Trump’s anticipated policies, which he described as creating “widespread fear”.
In the recording, al-Sudani discussed global apprehensions about Trump’s return to power, describing a “fearful atmosphere” surrounding his policies. However, al-Sudani noted that Trump is likely to prioritise domestic issues, allowing other nations to assert their independence.
The Iraqi government has not officially commented on the recording. However, a staff member accompanying al-Sudani, speaking on condition of anonymity, told Al-Araby Al-Jadeed, TNA‘s Arabic-language sister site, that the remarks were part of a broader public discussion and not intended as a criticism of US policy.
Despite such controversies, al-Sudani has reaffirmed Iraq’s commitment to strong ties with the United States. In an interview with Elaph, he said, “Baghdad is working to build a stable, institutional relationship with Washington. We are committed to openness and genuine partnership.”
However, the absence of Iraqi leaders at Mr Trump’s inauguration reflected lingering tensions. The deaths of Soleimani and Muhandis have fuelled opposition to US policy among Iran-aligned factions in Iraq, complicating the geopolitical landscape further.
Prime Minister al-Sudani has sought to position Iraq as a neutral mediator in the Middle East. “Baghdad has become a centre for calm dialogue aimed at bridging gaps between conflicting sides,” he stated. His government has also engaged with Iran-backed militias, urging them to disarm and integrate into Iraq’s official security forces.
The US troop presence in Iraq
A 2026 deadline for ending the US-led coalition’s presence in Iraq was agreed last year, with plans to transition to bilateral military cooperation. Yet, the resurgence of ISIS and other extremist groups might delay this withdrawal.
Aryan Tawagozi explained, “The Iraqi government and forces are not advocating for a rapid US exit, given the continued dangers posed by ISIS in the region. The presence of US forces is directly tied to security concerns. Their withdrawal could destabilise efforts to maintain peace and order.”
Donald Trump‘s second term is expected to bring further unpredictability to global politics. Known for his unconventional policies, he has promised sweeping tariffs, questioned US aid to Ukraine, and hinted at ambitious plans to “end the war in the Middle East.”
While Iraq’s future under the Trump administration remains uncertain, Prime Minister al-Sudani has signalled his determination to navigate the challenges ahead. As one Iraqi lawmaker remarked, quoting an Arabic proverb: “The worst misfortunes bring laughter.”
The Baghdad court’s arrest warrant for Trump came about a year after a US drone strike killed Soleimani and Muhandis near Baghdad’s airport in 2020. The deaths heightened regional tensions and solidified opposition to Trump among Iran-aligned factions in Iraq. Soleimani, a key figure in Iran‘s Quds Force, and Muhandis, deputy leader of the Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF), were central to Iran’s influence in the region.
NEW ARAB