Trump welcomes Iraqi prime minister

President Trump on Tuesday welcomed Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi to the White House for meetings expected to focus on neighboring Iran.

Mr. al-Zaidi, a 41-year-old businessman with no prior political experience, was installed as prime minister in May after emerging as a consensus candidate when Iraq's parliament deadlocked over the premiership following last year's elections.

President Trump had opposed former Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki returning to power, viewing him as too close to Iran and threatening to cut off all U.S. aid to Iraq if he were selected.

Since taking office, Mr. al-Zaidi has made a show of cracking down on corruption, and the Iraqi government has sought to disarm Iran-backed militias operating in the country.

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