Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi traveled to Iran on his inaugural official visit following his assumption of office in May. During the visit to Tehran, al-Zaidi and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian oversaw the signing of several agreements and memoranda of understanding addressing foreign affairs, finance, economics, and energy sectors.
The discussions between the two leaders focused on strengthening strategic cooperation, accelerating joint economic and infrastructure initiatives, and coordinating responses to regional developments. Al-Zaidi expressed gratitude for Iran’s assistance in Iraq’s conflict with extremist groups and reaffirmed Baghdad’s commitment to security collaboration with Tehran, stating that Iraq would not tolerate hostile actions against Iran from any party. Pezeshkian emphasized that a comprehensive strategic cooperation framework would guide the expansion of bilateral relations, noting the interdependence of both nations’ security interests.
Both countries issued a joint statement endorsing dialogue, diplomacy, and constructive regional engagement as the path to resolving crises. The statement committed them to developing a long-term strategic partnership agreement and expediting existing bilateral arrangements. They pledged to enhance cooperation across political, economic, security, and cultural domains, with foreign ministers tasked with finalizing the strategic document for eventual government signature.
The two nations agreed to expand commercial ties and investments while accelerating the Basra-Shalamcheh railway project and strengthening cooperation in banking, energy, transport, and transit sectors. They also established an annual Joint High Commission to oversee implementation of bilateral agreements, alternating between the two capitals under prime ministerial leadership. Iraq’s substantial economic interdependence with Iran—importing natural gas and electricity while maintaining over $12 billion in annual bilateral trade—underscores the strategic importance of the relationship.
Analysts noted that Baghdad faces the challenging balancing act of maintaining relations with both the United States and Iran amid ongoing tensions between the two powers, with observers suggesting the visit carried messages from Washington regarding Iraqi mediation efforts.
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