At a Glance:

• Iraqi PM Ali Faleh al-Zaidi received Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf in Baghdad.
• Both leaders stressed deep historical, religious, and geographic ties between Iraq and Iran.
• PM Al-Zaidi commended Tehran’s historical support for Iraq in the campaign against ISIS.
• Speaker Ghalibaf commended Iraqi efforts in hosting and securing Iranian pilgrims during Arbaeen.

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Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Faleh al-Zaidi hosted Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Speaker of the Islamic Consultative Assembly of Iran, in Baghdad to discuss expanding diplomatic and economic relations between the two neighboring states. According to an official statement issued by the Iraqi Prime Minister’s Media Office, both leaderships reaffirmed their commitment to deepening bilateral cooperation across security, trade, and regional stability channels.

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Key Statements and Focus Area:

• Prime Minister's Assessment:"The Prime Minister affirmed the depth of relations between Iraq and Iran and the historical, geographical, and religious ties and commonalities shared by the two countries, commending Iran’s supportive positions toward Iraq, particularly during its war against ISIS terrorist groups." — Media Office of the Prime Minister of Iraq.
• Iranian Parliamentary Stance:"The Speaker of the Islamic Consultative Assembly commended the Iraqi government’s efforts in receiving and serving Iranian pilgrims during the Arbaeen pilgrimage, affirming his country’s keenness to expand prospects for cooperation in a manner that serves mutual interests." — Media Office of the Prime Minister of Iraq.

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High-Level Delegation Discussions

During the meeting, Prime Minister al-Zaidi and Speaker Ghalibaf accompanied by a senior parliamentary delegation reviewed the broader framework of Iraq–Iran relations. Discussions centered on creating joint action initiatives across political, cultural, and economic domains aimed at delivering tangible benefits to both nations.

Commendation of Shared Security Efforts

PM Al-Zaidi specifically highlighted Tehran’s critical backing during Iraq’s counter-terrorism campaigns, emphasizing that close coordination remains essential to regional stability. In turn, Ghalibaf expressed gratitude for Baghdad’s ongoing administrative and logistical management of millions of Iranian pilgrims visiting holy sites across Iraq for the Arbaeen pilgrimage.

FYI

The bilateral discussions come amid broader diplomatic efforts across the Middle East to maintain regional stability and manage cross-border infrastructure and security arrangements. As Baghdad balances relationships with both regional neighbors and international partners, direct parliamentary and executive engagements with Tehran provide a key mechanism for managing shared border security, energy trade, and annual pilgrimage logistics.

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