Prime Minister Al-Zaidi Returns to Baghdad After Strategic Visit to Tehran

Ahmed Mohammed 1 hour ago
A handout photograph provided by the Iranian presidential office shows Iraq's Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein (L) and Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi (R) signing documents as Iraq's Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi (C-L) and Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian (C-R) watch during a meeting in Tehran on July 23, 2026. The Iraqi prime minister is visiting Iran following a trip to the US where he met with the US president. Washington and Tehran are Iraq's main allies, but their enmity has long turned the country into a proxy battleground and left successive governments struggling to maintain a delicate balance between the foes, who have traded intensifying attacks in recent days. (Photo by IRANIAN PRESIDENCY / AFP) /
A handout photograph provided by the Iranian presidential office shows Iraq's Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein (L) and Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi (R) signing documents as Iraq's Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi (C-L) and Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian (C-R) watch during a meeting in Tehran on July 23, 2026. The Iraqi prime minister is visiting Iran following a trip to the US where he met with the US president. Washington and Tehran are Iraq's main allies, but their enmity has long turned the country into a proxy battleground and left successive governments struggling to maintain a delicate balance between the foes, who have traded intensifying attacks in recent days. (Photo by IRANIAN PRESIDENCY / AFP) /

Prime Minister Ali Faleh Al-Zaidi has returned to the Iraqi capital following a high-profile official visit to Tehran, where he led a series of diplomatic engagements aimed at strengthening bilateral relations between Iraq and the Islamic Republic of Iran.

During his stay, Al-Zaidi met with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, underscoring the importance of cooperation across political, economic, and infrastructural domains. He also headed the Iraqi delegation in expanded talks with senior Iranian officials, reflecting Baghdad’s intent to deepen regional partnerships.

The Prime Minister’s itinerary included meetings with key figures in Iran’s leadership:

  • Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Head of the Iranian Shura Council.
  • Gholam-Hossein Mohseni Eje'i, Head of the Iranian Judiciary.

These discussions culminated in the signing of one major agreement and three memoranda of understanding, marking tangible steps toward enhanced cooperation:

  • International Road Freight Agreement: Facilitating cross-border transport and shipping.
  • Railway Connectivity MoU: Linking Kermanshah–Khosravi–Khanqin–Baghdad to boost trade and mobility.
  • Twinning MoU: Establishing collaboration between Baghdad’s Secretariat and Tehran’s Municipality.
  • Government Administration MoU: Enhancing training and capacity-building in public administration.
Ahmed Mohammed

1 hour ago

Iraq See More