Positive statements from U.S. President Donald Trump about Iraq and Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi appear to mask growing challenges facing both the Iraqi government and Washington's policy toward Baghdad.
Sources familiar with the matter told Al Arabiya/Al Hadath that the United States has suspended some cooperation with the Iraqi armed forces and paused U.S. training programs for Iraqi personnel.
The sources also said Washington has recently declined to provide spare parts and technology for U.S.-made F-16 fighter jets operated by Iraq.
However, intelligence cooperation between the two countries in the fight against ISIS remains in place, according to the sources.
U.S. Policy Toward Iraq Has Two Sides
There has been no official U.S. statement confirming the reported suspension or explaining its reasons.
Washington's position appears to contain two parallel approaches.
The first emphasizes continued cooperation with the Iraqi government, while the second reflects growing frustration over the pace at which Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi has delivered on his government's commitments.
A U.S. official told Al Arabiya/Al Hadath that American forces and their allies had made significant sacrifices during the campaign against ISIS.
The official said the threat had declined substantially, although it had not disappeared completely, and argued that Iraqi forces now have the capability and leadership needed to deal with the remaining threat.
The United States is therefore moving toward a new phase in which the international coalition's role in Iraq is reduced and bilateral relations become more important.
Concerns Over Iran-Backed Militias
Another major concern for Washington is the security threat posed by Iran-aligned militias operating in Iraq.
Although U.S. officials have generally avoided discussing the issue in detail, they have repeatedly warned of a strong response if American personnel or interests are attacked.
The United States has already reduced its military presence in Iraq. According to the report, U.S. forces withdrew from areas under the control of the Iraqi government by the end of September 2025 and later completed their withdrawal from Iraqi Kurdistan.
A smaller U.S. military footprint could reduce the exposure of American personnel, particularly if tensions between Washington and Tehran escalate.
That would leave the United States managing security and political developments in Iraq from a greater distance, with its diplomatic presence in Baghdad becoming increasingly important.
Washington's Expectations Are Changing
U.S. officials and policymakers are increasingly concerned that the Iraqi government may struggle to confront powerful militias and reduce Iranian influence.
Sources cited by the report described the Iraqi government as lacking the strength and cohesion needed to address these challenges.
They also pointed to longstanding concerns over corruption, financial mismanagement and Iran's influence within parts of Iraq's political and economic system.
Washington has repeatedly urged Baghdad to strengthen financial controls and prevent funds from reaching Iran as part of broader U.S. efforts to enforce economic pressure on Tehran.
Iraq has taken some steps that appear to align with Washington's position, including restrictions affecting Iranian aviation. However, Iraqi officials have also sought exemptions and continued economic ties with Iran.
Frustration Is Growing Inside Iraq
The frustration is not limited to Washington.
Some Iraqi political and social figures want the prime minister to adopt a stronger national position and reduce the country's dependence on external influence.
Critics, however, argue that some of the government's moves have been rushed and insufficiently prepared to produce tangible results.
They also point to the influence of established political networks, economic interests and corruption as major obstacles to reform.
One source described Iraq's democratic system as functioning but weak, arguing that it has struggled to produce a government strong enough to confront corruption, economic waste and foreign influence.
Washington Wants to Avoid a New Crisis
Despite the growing disagreements, Washington appears to have an incentive to prevent tensions with Baghdad from escalating.
The United States is already facing a major strategic challenge involving Iran and must weigh the possibility of negotiations against the prospect of a large-scale military confrontation.
From Washington's perspective, managing one major regional crisis may be considerably easier than dealing with two simultaneous crises.
For now, the priority appears to be maintaining stability in Iraq while the United States reassesses its military and political relationship with Baghdad.
The future of that relationship will depend largely on whether Iraq can strengthen its institutions, limit the influence of armed groups and balance its ties with Washington and Tehran.