Trump: US oil companies entering Iraq on an "unprecedented scale"

On the 14th, President Trump met with visiting Iraqi Prime Minister al-Zaidi at the White House, saying that the US believes there is no longer a need for troops in Iraq as American oil companies are entering Iraq on an unprecedented scale. Trump stated that Iraq has abundant oil reserves and tremendous potential, and that the partnership between the US and Iraq will shift from military cooperation to investment and energy development. He said that the US and Iraq will reach many cooperation agreements, with "a large amount of oil being extracted, mainly by American companies." Al-Zaidi, on the other hand, stated that US troops will withdraw from Iraq but American companies will enter the country. He also mentioned that once the US-led coalition forces fighting ISIS end their mission on September 30th, there will be "no reason" for armed factions to continue existing, as the Iraqi security forces are capable of defending the country independently. Keeping weapons in the hands of the state is "a decision, not a choice."