Iraqi Govt Denies Al-Zaidi Carried Messages to Tehran

An Iraqi government spokesperson stated that the Iraqi delegation visiting Tehran on Thursday discussed bilateral relations and regional developments concerning economic interests, explicitly denying that the talks involved "any carried message." These comments directly addressed a New York Times report claiming that Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi had delivered an American ceasefire proposal to Iran.

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The Iraqi delegation that visited Tehran on Thursday discussed bilateral relations and regional developments related to the economic interests of the region's countries, and the talks did not include any offer or carried message.

Haider al-Aboudi, the government spokesperson, told Asharq Al-Awsat, "The Iraqi delegation that visited Tehran on Thursday discussed bilateral relations and regional developments related to the economic interests of the region's countries, and the talks did not include any offer or carried message." The Iraqi government's media office issued a statement on Friday, refuting the New York Times report as "groundless allegations that have no basis in reality." The statement also asserted that the report contained incorrect information and implored the media to "ensure accuracy, rely on official sources, and avoid circulating unverified information or info attributed to anonymous sources."

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The New York Times report represents "groundless allegations that have no basis in reality."

The New York Times report, citing unnamed Iranian and Iraqi officials, had alleged that Iran rejected a ceasefire proposal from U.S. President Donald Trump, which al-Zaidi had presented during his Tehran visit. According to Iranian officials cited in the report, Tehran views a temporary agreement that leaves the control of the Strait of Hormuz unresolved as unhelpful. The report also quoted Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, who reportedly stated that al-Zaidi shared his "views and impressions" after his Washington visit, and that sufficient mediators already exist between Iran and the U.S.

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ensure accuracy, rely on official sources, and avoid circulating unverified information or info attributed to anonymous sources.

The Iraqi denial emerged amidst escalating tensions between the U.S. and Iran, marked by exchanges of attacks and threats. Iranian officials were quoted in the New York Times report as saying Tehran is preparing for a potential wider confrontation should Washington proceed with threats to target Iranian infrastructure.

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al-Zaidi presented his "views and impressions" following his visit to Washington, adding that Iran and the U.S. already have a sufficient number of mediators.