Iraqi Prime Minister to Strengthen Ties with Regional Neighbors

Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi is set to visit Iran and Türkiye in the coming days, continuing a diplomatic tour that recently included Washington. The visits are framed by the government as crucial steps to strengthen Iraq's relationships with its regional neighbors and international partners, particularly after what officials described as "positive results" from al-Zaidi's meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump.

Government spokesman Haider al-Aboudi announced that the prime minister's itinerary includes stops in Tehran and Ankara. These visits follow sharp criticism from Iranian figures and Tehran-aligned Iraqi allies regarding al-Zaidi's White House meeting and Trump's remarks about slain Iranian and Iraqi commanders Qassem Soleimani and Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis. Traditionally, Iran has been a customary stop for Iraqi prime ministers after visiting the U.S.

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the visits are part of the government’s program to strengthen Iraq’s ties with neighboring countries and regional and international partners, particularly following what he described as the positive results of al-Zaidi’s official visit to the United States.

The agenda for the upcoming talks includes bilateral matters, regional developments, and ongoing initiatives to de-escalate tensions and foster security and stability. Iraq's balanced approach to regional actors, al-Aboudi stated, positions the country to facilitate dialogue. A key focus is expected to be the "sovereign Iraqi matter" of limiting arms to the state, to be managed constitutionally and legally.

Sources within government and media circles suggest al-Zaidi may press Iranian officials on dissolving armed factions and disarming them before the planned withdrawal of U.S. and coalition forces in September. Many observers believe this can only be achieved with Tehran's cooperation, given its influence over many armed groups. However, skepticism remains about al-Zaidi's ability to secure significant concessions from Iran, especially amid U.S. pressure on Tehran. Some analysts speculate Iran might intentionally create difficulties for al-Zaidi in response to his measured handling of Trump's comments about Soleimani and al-Muhandis.

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a sovereign Iraqi matter