Iraqi prime minister to visit Washington on Monday; oil and gas deals expected

Iraq's Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi's upcoming visit to Washington highlights a significant push for stronger economic and strategic ties between Iraq and the United States. The trip is set to include the signing of several oil and gas deals, underscoring Iraq's ambitions to bolster its energy sector and economic cooperation with the U.S. This move is also a strategic maneuver to balance relations with both the U.S. and neighboring Iran amidst ongoing military tensions between them. The implications could reshape Iraq's role in global energy markets and its diplomatic strategy in a volatile region.