The special envoy of the US President to Iraq, Tom Barak, affirmed that Iraq is moving under Prime Minister Ali Falih Al-Zaydi towards strategic choices centered on sovereignty, investment, and strengthening partnerships. Barak stated after his meeting with Al-Zaydi that
the United States seeks to develop its economic and trade relations with Iraq. Barak described the Middle East as resembling a Rubik's Cube, where all sides are interconnected, noting that moving one side affects the others, and no single country
or external power can resolve the region's complexities alone. He highlighted that addressing these challenges requires the regional countries to take initiative themselves through patience and solidarity, confirming that Iraq is following this approach by choosing sovereignty over dependency, investment
over stagnation, and partnership over agency. Barak emphasized that the United States is proud to support Iraq by enhancing economic and trade relations, opening opportunities for American companies and Iraqi expertise, and working towards building prosperity beneficial to both parties.
The discussions also covered the topic of easing regional tensions and containing crises before escalation, focusing on diplomacy instead of escalation, stressing that the primary responsibility for the region's security and future lies with its countries and neighbors. The US
envoy underlined that his country is a partner in the region's transformations, not a substitute for the role of its states, considering that a sovereign and prosperous Iraq within a region whose countries bear responsibility for its stability serves the
interests of Iraqis, their neighbors, and the United States alike.
