Trump Invites Iraq Premier-Designate to US, Eyeing Stronger Ties

President Donald Trump invited Iraq’s prime minister nominee to visit Washington after he forms a new government, as the US seeks to limit Iran’s influence on its neighbor.

In a telephone call, Trump and Ali al-Zaidi discussed “ways to develop and strengthen” bilateral relations between the US and Iraq in various fields,” according to a statement from the Iraqi premier’s office. They also agreed to cooperate to consolidate stability in the region.

Iraq’s largest Shiite bloc, the Coordination Framework, nominated al-Zaidi to be the next prime minister after Nouri Al-Maliki, who held the position between 2006 and 2014, ...