Trump praises Zaidi after Iraq PM nomination

U.S. President Donald Trump congratulated Ali al-Zaidi on his nomination to be next prime minister of Iraq on Thursday, saying that he looked forward to a highly productive new relationship.

Iraq's alliance of Shi'ite political blocs, the Coordination Framework, on Monday named Zaidi as ‌its nominee for the post of prime minister, a coalition statement said.

"We wish him success as he works to form a new Government free from terrorism that could deliver a brighter future for Iraq," Trump said in a post on Truth Social.

"We look forward to a strong, vibrant, and highly productive new relationship between Iraq and the United States."

Trump also invited Zaidi to visit Washington after forming a government during a phone call on Thursday in which he congratulated him on his nomination, according to a statement from the Iraqi prime minister's media office.

The call reviewed strategic ties between Iraq and the U.S. and ways to strengthen cooperation across multiple fields, the statement said, adding that both sides affirmed joint efforts to support regional stability.

Trump had threatened in January to withdraw Washington's support for Iraq if former Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki was designated to form a cabinet.