FM Discusses Bilateral Relations and Economic Cooperation with U.S. Deputy National Security Advisor

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Fuad Hussein, met on Friday, 2 October 2026, with U.S. Deputy National Security Advisor, Mr Michael Needham, in Washington, D.C., in the presence of a number of officials from the U.S. National Security Council, including Mr Wayne Wall, Assistant to the President and Senior Director for the Middle East and Africa, and Mr Matt Walensky, Director for Iraq, Syria, Jordan and Lebanon Affairs.

At the outset of the meeting, the Minister expressed his appreciation and gratitude to the U.S. Government, across its various institutions, for the support it provided to Iraq in its war against terrorism and in confronting the terrorist organization ISIS, stressing the depth of the historic relations between the two countries and the importance of continuing to develop them in a manner that serves their common interests.

The Minister underscored the need to continue cooperation to counter the threat posed by ISIS and prevent its resurgence. The meeting addressed the post-termination phase of the military mission of the International Coalition. The Minister explained that the Iraqi Government intends to begin implementing its plan to place all arms under the control of the state in the near future, thereby ensuring that weapons, as well as decisions of war and peace, remain exclusively in the hands of the constitutional institutions. The Minister also stressed the importance of developing a comprehensive framework for Iraqi-U.S. relations, based on previous understandings and strengthening cooperation in the political, security, military, economic and trade fields.

The two sides discussed ways to strengthen state authority and encourage parties willing to give up arms to engage in political activity and renounce violence, thereby supporting stability and ensuring that the use of force remains confined to official institutions. The meeting also touched upon Iraqi-Iranian relations, in light of the two countries’ long shared border and the interconnected political, security and economic issues between them. In this context, the Minister outlined Iraq’s balanced policy in its regional and international relations, referring to the meetings held by Prime Minister Mr Ali Al-Zaidi with the leaders and officials of neighboring countries and countries around the world during his visit to New York, with the aim of strengthening Iraq’s relations and supporting regional security and stability.

On the economic front, the Minister affirmed Iraq’s keenness to expand economic and trade cooperation with the United States and increase the volume of trade between the two countries, noting that U.S. companies are operating in Iraq and that the Government looks forward to attracting further U.S. investments, particularly in the oil, gas and energy sectors and related projects.

The two sides also discussed Iraqi oil production and exports, the importance of the Strait of Hormuz to Iraq’s exports, and the need to diversify export outlets and develop additional transportation options through pipelines and land and maritime routes, in a manner that strengthens energy security and ensures the continued flow of Iraqi oil to global markets.

The meeting also addressed developments in Iraq’s political process and the importance of completing the formation of the Government, in a manner that strengthens the effectiveness of state institutions and their capacity to implement their programs and address political, security and economic challenges.

For his part, Mr Needham stressed the importance of maintaining direct communication with the Iraqi side, inviting the Minister to visit Washington on a regular basis, given the role such visits play in conveying Iraq’s positions and priorities to U.S. institutions and decision-making circles, and in enhancing understanding of Iraq’s vision regarding bilateral and regional issues.

Mr Michael Needham has served as the U.S. Deputy National Security Advisor since May 2026.