From Washington to Tehran; Iraq’s new prime minister has begun his first foreign tour at a time when the region is embroiled in the most complex political and security developments in recent years. A visit that, in addition to emphasizing the strategic relations between Tehran and Baghdad, also carries messages and goals beyond bilateral relations.
Tehran-Iran View 24
Ali al-Zaydi, the Prime Minister of Iraq, arrived in Tehran hours ago at the head of a high-ranking delegation of political and economic officials. Upon arrival, he was officially received by officials of the Islamic Republic of Iran, with the presence of Ali Madanizadeh, the Minister of Economic Affairs and Finance, and Seyyed Abbas Araghchi, the Minister of Foreign Affairs.
Following the welcoming ceremony at the airport, the Prime Minister of Iraq headed to the Sa’dabad Palace and was officially received by Masoud Pezeshkian, the President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, with whom he held a meeting and talks. This meeting was held within the framework of ongoing consultations between Tehran and Baghdad and focused on the development of bilateral relations and the examination of regional developments.
The first visit of the new Iraqi government to Tehran
This visit is considered the first trip of Ali al-Zaydi to Iran since the official inauguration of the new Iraqi government and has been carried out with the aim of strengthening strategic relations between Tehran and Baghdad, at a sensitive time in terms of regional developments.
According to official sources, this visit follows previous consultations between the two countries and after the magnificent funeral of Iran’s late leader in Iraq; consultations in which Masoud Pezeshkian had emphasized the Islamic Republic of Iran’s view of Iraq as a “brotherly country” and “beyond a neighbor.”
Themes of the talks between the heads of the two governments
During the meeting between the heads of the two governments, both sides emphasized the development of cooperation in various political, economic, security, and cultural fields.
Masoud Pezeshkian, referring to the deep historical, cultural, and religious ties between the two nations, announced the readiness of the Islamic Republic of Iran for the comprehensive expansion of relations with Baghdad and described Iraq not merely as a neighbor, but as a brotherly and close country.
In turn, Ali al-Zaydi, emphasizing his government’s determination to elevate relations with the Islamic Republic of Iran, stressed the expansion of cooperation in the economic, political, and security fields to a distinguished level.
Visit to Tehran following consultations with Washington
One of the most important dimensions of this visit is its coincidence with the Iraqi Prime Minister’s recent trip to the United States and speculation about Baghdad’s possible role in reducing tensions between Tehran and Washington.
Some observers claimed that the Iraqi Prime Minister had proposed mediation between Iran and the United States; an interpretation to which Seyyed Abbas Araghchi, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Iran, responded by emphasizing: “The problem between Iran and America is not a lack of a mediator or a communication channel.”
However, reports indicate that Ali al-Zaydi has proposed that Baghdad host direct or indirect negotiations between Iran and the United States; an initiative that is said to have been previously discussed during his visit to Washington and whose goal is to prevent the escalation of tensions and the expansion of military conflicts in the region.
Informed sources have also stated that Baghdad, relying on its close relations with both sides, is trying to use its diplomatic capacity to facilitate communications, especially at a time when establishing direct contacts between Tehran and Washington has become more difficult.
According to Seyyed Abbas Araghchi, the Prime Minister of Iraq, during his meeting with the President of Iran, presented a report to the Iranian side on his consultations in Washington, particularly regarding the issue of Iran, and his perceptions from those talks.
Emphasis on economic and security cooperation
The visit of the Iraqi Prime Minister to Tehran coincides with the beginning of the annual Arbaeen Hosseini pilgrimage. In this meeting, in addition to the necessary coordination to ensure security and facilitate the holding of this great religious and political ritual, which is held every year with the presence of millions of pilgrims, both sides emphasized the acceleration of the implementation of economic agreements and the development of cooperation in the fields of trade, energy, and investment.
Furthermore, the full implementation of the security agreement between Iran and Iraq, the strengthening of common border security, and combating the activities of terrorist groups, especially in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, were among other topics discussed during this visit. Tehran expects the new Iraqi government to cooperate more in the full implementation of security commitments and the control of common borders.
A strategic meeting at a sensitive regional juncture
Ali al-Zaydi’s visit to Tehran is taking place at a time when the region is facing increasing developments and tensions. The Iraqi Prime Minister, who has recently returned from Washington and has further visits to Turkey and several Arab countries on his agenda, is trying, while maintaining a balance in Baghdad’s foreign policy, to elevate Iraq’s position from a “field of power competition” to a “diplomatic crossroads” and a constructive player in regional equations.
During the meeting in Tehran, expressing hope for the swiftest possible end to the region’s wars and crises, he emphasized the necessity of cooperation and collective participation of regional countries to achieve sustainable peace, stability, and security.
