Iraqi PM makes first official visit to Iran to deepen ties

What the report says

Al Jazeera reports that Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi arrived in Tehran on Thursday, July 23, for his first official trip to Iran since taking office in May. According to the Iraqi News Agency, al-Zaidi and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian attended the signing of multiple agreements and memoranda of understanding covering foreign affairs, finance, economic cooperation and energy.

At a joint meeting of senior delegations, al-Zaidi credited Iran with supporting Iraq during the fight against ISIL and reiterated Baghdad’s commitment to security coordination with Tehran. Al Jazeera, citing Pezeshkian’s office, said the Iraqi leader also signalled that Iraq would not tolerate hostile action against Iran from any party. Pezeshkian described a broader strategic cooperation plan as a guide for expanding ties, while linking the security of the two neighbours.

The visit is scheduled to last two days, with al-Zaidi saying on X that talks would address bilateral cooperation, shared concerns, regional developments and efforts to strengthen stability. The trip comes against a backdrop of deep ties: Al Jazeera noted Iraq’s reliance on Iranian gas and electricity, annual bilateral trade above $12bn, and significant religious links through Iranian Shia pilgrimage to Iraqi holy cities.

The visit also carries geopolitical weight. Political analyst Ghaleb Al-Daami told Al Jazeera that Baghdad is trying to manage relations with both the United States and Iran amid conflict between them. He said al-Zaidi’s objectives included urging Tehran to halt support for armed groups in Iraq and conveying a US message supporting an Iraqi mediation role.