President Donald Trump is boosting his relationships with key leaders in the Middle East as hostilities with Iran have increased following the end of the memorandum of understanding between the two nations.

The administration’s strategy is centered on weakening Iran’s regional influence by pairing new economic partnerships with pressure on Tehran’s closest allies. The strategy was evident Tuesday during a bilateral meeting with Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al Zaidi when Trump heaped praise upon the foreign leader, teased a future oil deal, and warned that Iran was losing its effectiveness as the war continues.