Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi arrives in Iran to meet with President Masoud Pezeshkian

Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi arrived in Tehran for a meeting with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, focusing on regional security issues, trade, and energy supplies. This official visit underscores Iraq's strategic position, as it occurs just over a week after Zaidi met with U.S. President Donald Trump in Washington.

During the visit, Zaidi received a formal reception at Saadabad Palace, where national anthems were played and the guard of honor inspected. He held a bilateral meeting with President Pezeshkian, emphasizing the strong historical, civilizational, and geographical ties between Iraq and Iran. Zaidi stated that these shared interests necessitate continued dialogue, cooperation, and mutual respect to enhance sustainable development and regional stability.

“

Today, we head to Tehran on an official visit, during which we will meet with senior officials in the Islamic Republic of Iran to discuss files of common interest, bilateral cooperation, and consultation on regional issues and efforts aimed at consolidating security and stability in the region.

Zaidi, who became prime minister earlier this year after months of negotiations following the November 2025 elections, is a businessman and political newcomer. His background in banking and investment sets him apart from many traditional politicians. He has been actively seeking closer ties with the U.S. and American companies, while also vowing to rein in Iranian-backed militias operating within Iraq. These militias, sanctioned by the U.S. as terrorist groups, have been used by Iran to conduct attacks in Iraq and the wider region, with over 1,000 such attacks reported since February.

The Prime Minister's Office highlighted Zaidi's commitment to "consolidating security and stability in the region" through dialogue and cooperation. This dual approach of engaging with both the U.S. and Iran reflects Iraq's complex foreign policy objectives as it seeks to navigate regional tensions and foster economic prosperity.

“

Iraq and Iran are bound together by historical and civilizational ties, geographical borders, and shared interests, which impose a continuation of work in the spirit of dialogue, cooperation, and mutual respect, thereby enhancing sustainable development and prosperity for the peoples of both countries, and contributing to support for security and stability at the regional and international levels.