Iraqi PM Takes De-Escalation Initiative to Tehran

Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi arrived in Tehran leading a high-level delegation, carrying an initiative aimed at de-escalating regional tensions. The visit, occurring about a week after al-Zaidi met with U.S. President Donald Trump in Washington, underscores Iraq's diplomatic efforts to navigate complex regional dynamics.

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Impressions from Washington

Al-Zaidi met with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian at Tehran’s Saadabad Palace. The leaders reviewed a guard of honor and discussed matters of mutual interest, including establishing a mechanism for the Iraqi-Iranian Joint Economic Committee. Al-Zaidi described the visit as a "bridge of friendship," highlighting shared religion, civilization, geography, and culture between the two nations. Both leaders pointed to significant joint investment opportunities and emphasized the importance of security and stability for bilateral development.

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Iran’s current problem with the United States is not one of mediation. The problem lies in the nature of the US approach, which is unreasonable and based on excessive demands and domination.

During the visit, four agreements and memoranda of understanding were signed to strengthen cooperation. These included accords on freight shipping, international overland transport of goods, extending a railway line between the two countries, and a twinning agreement between the Baghdad and Tehran municipalities. The agreements were signed on behalf of Iraq by its foreign and electricity ministers, along with acting ministers of finance and planning.

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an initiative aimed at achieving stability in the region, including de-escalation.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi commented on al-Zaidi's "impressions from Washington," stating that Iran's problems with the United States are rooted in an "unreasonable" approach and excessive demands, rather than a need for mediation. Iraqi government spokesman Haider al-Aboudi reiterated Baghdad's stance, affirming that Iraq maintains balanced relations and will not permit its territory to be used to threaten Iran, emphasizing the initiative's goal of regional stability and de-escalation.

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Iraq maintains balanced relations within its regional and international environment and us