Trump says US will do 'a lot' of deals with Iraq, take oil

This initiative is part of a broader, unconventional strategy for the Middle East introduced by Trump's second administration. The plan aims to recalibrate U.S. influence by prioritizing regional stability through economic strength and military consolidation, moving away from traditional conflict-oriented approaches towards a results-oriented diplomacy. A central tenet of this strategy is to "make Iraq great again," by restoring its sovereignty and economic vitality, positioning it as a stable regional hub rather than a battleground.

Key objectives include consolidating all armed forces under the command of the legitimate Iraqi state and significantly reducing the influence of foreign actors, notably Iran. The administration seeks to attract international investment, upgrade Iraq's infrastructure, and secure its energy sector's independence. To facilitate these goals, Trump appointed Mark Savaya, an Iraqi-born businessman with experience in Trump's political campaigns, as the U.S. special envoy to Iraq. Savaya's role is to navigate the country's complex political landscape following recent elections and steer it towards a stable transition, acting as a direct representative of Trump's business-centric foreign policy.