Sudani clears White House meeting, but implementation test awaits in Baghdad

WASHINGTON, United States — WASHINGTON — Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' al-Sudani wrapped up his visit to Washington with a joint press appearance alongside President Donald Trump at the White House. Asked about the killing of Iranian General Qassem Soleimani, Sudani said he preferred to focus on the future rather than revisit past events. Observers noted Sudani's calm demeanor contrasted with Trump's typically combative posture in such settings. The trip produced political optics rather than signed agreements. Concrete deliverables, including Sudani's stated goal of consolidating weapons under state control by the end of September, are expected to take shape only after the delegation returns to Baghdad. Sudani's effort to distance Iraq from Iranian influence while simultaneously seeking U.S. economic support has revived debate over longstanding contradictions in Iraqi foreign policy. Analysts said the government's main challenge will be keeping Washington understandings intact once they face competing power centers at home. No further details on specific commitments were immediately available.