Iraqi and Iranian delegations, led by Prime Minister Ali Faleh al-Zaidi and President Masoud Pezeshkian, met Thursday to launch a joint economic committee and reinforce bilateral security ties.

Al-Zaidi arrived in Tehran earlier today, where he was received by Pezeshkian in an official welcoming ceremony. 

Before heading to the country, al-Zaidi noted that both countries “are bound by historic and civilizational ties, shared borders, and common interests,” adding that bilateral bonds necessitate ongoing cooperation and mutual respect to foster regional stability and economic development.

New Joint Economic Committee 

During the delegations' meeting, both sides discussed “a number of issues of mutual interest, including establishing a mechanism for the work of the Iraq-Iran Joint Economic Committee.”

Al-Zaidi Hails Tehran Visit as "Bridge of Goodwill" 

Al-Zaidi affirmed that his visit to Tehran “reflects the depth of the bilateral relationship and renews it, describing it as a bridge of goodwill between the two peoples.” 

He stated that shared religious, civilizational, geographical, and cultural ties form the basis of the partnership between the two countries. 

Iraqi PM: Iraqi Soil Will Not Be Used to Threaten Iran

Al-Zaidi further highlighted that the visit addresses mutual and regional issues, adding, “Iraq will not allow any threat to Iran to originate from its territory.” 

He also “recalled Iran’s honorable support for Iraq during the war against the ISIS terrorist organization and called for joint investments across various sectors.”

Iranian President Stresses Stability and Joint Investments 

Pezeshkian thanked the Iraqi people for participating in the funeral procession of the late Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. 

He emphasized that deep bonds and shared stability are vital for bilateral development, underlining significant joint investment opportunities between the two nations.

Al-Zaidi Proposes Iraq-Led Mediation Amid Regional

This high-stakes visit comes amid deepening regional conflict between the U.S. and Iran, and just four days after al-Zaidi returned from a five-day diplomatic trip to Washington, D.C. While in the United States, al-Zaidi met with President Donald Trump and oversaw the signing of dozens of bilateral agreements.

Speaking to Channel8 earlier, a source stated that Trump has approved a proposal from al-Zaidi for Baghdad to mediate between Washington and Tehran to address the Strait of Hormuz crisis. 

The initiative aims to stabilize maritime trade and energy flows through the strategic waterway.