Iraqi PM heads to US seeking balance between security and economy

Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi is traveling to the US for talks with President Donald Trump, his first foreign trip since taking office in May. He is expected to sign energy and trade agreements and boost investment with US companies. Spokesman Haider al-Aboudi said the visit marks a shift from crisis management to a strategic economic partnership, with oil as a top priority. Iraq seeks to increase production and find alternative export hubs to mitigate risks from Strait of Hormuz closures.