Ali al-Zaidi
Ali al-Zaidi is the Prime Minister of Iraq, currently navigating a complex diplomatic balancing act between the United States and Iran.
Ali al-Zaidi serves as the Prime Minister of Iraq, a role that places him at the center of the Middle East's most delicate geopolitical tensions. His leadership is defined by the necessity of maintaining functional relationships with both Washington and Tehran, while managing internal pressures from various political and paramilitary factions within Iraq. In July 2026, al-Zaidi engaged in a high-profile diplomatic tour that underscored this balancing act. He first traveled to Washington D.C. for a summit at the White House with U.S. President Donald Trump. The discussions focused on the future of bilateral relations, regional security, and the persistent challenge of disarming armed groups operating outside of Iraqi state authority. This visit was seen as a critical step in the Trump administration's regional strategy, emphasizing Iraq's role as a cornerstone of regional stability. Immediately following his meetings in the United States, al-Zaidi traveled to Tehran to meet with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and other senior Iranian officials. This rapid succession of visits highlights al-Zaidi's strategy of ensuring that Iraq does not become a battlefield for foreign powers, even as it remains deeply influenced by both. For Israel and the broader Jewish world, al-Zaidi's ability to stabilize Iraq and curb the influence of Iranian-backed militias is a key security interest, as these groups often pose a direct threat to regional peace and Israeli security.