ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani on Friday spoke on the phone with US President-elect Donald Trump, congratulating him on his election victory. They also talked about advancing the Iraq-US strategic partnership, according to Sudani's office. Trump defeated Democratic candidate Kamala Harris in the US presidential elections earlier this week. "The two sides expressed their commitment to advancing the strategic partnership between Iraq and the United States and strengthening bilateral relations beyond security concerns, with a focus on cooperation in the fields of economy, finance, energy, and technology," read the statement from Sudani's office. Sudani "highlighted his attention to Mr. Trump’s campaign statements and promises to work towards ending wars in the region. The two sides agreed to coordinate efforts in achieving this goal," added the statement. Sudani's office also said that Trump "expressed his desire to work positively with the prime minister and looked forward to meeting soon to discuss strengthening Iraq-U.S. relations and advancing their shared priorities." Iraq-US relations increasingly have been tied to Washington's continued support for Israel following Palestinian Hamas’ unprecedented attack on October 7, 2023, and Israel’s retaliation in Gaza and operations against Hezbollah in Lebanon. An estimated 2,500 US troops remain in Iraq at the invitation of Baghdad to advise, train, and assist Iraqi Security Forces against the Islamic State (ISIS), including providing air support and military aid. With pressure from Iranian-backed-militia groups to force US troops out of Iraq, Baghdad and Washington agreed in September to end the military mission of the US-led global coalition against ISIS in the country within a year. Baghdad began pushing for a US withdrawal after American forces carried out deadly airstrikes on Iraqi militias in retaliation for drone and rocket attacks.
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