Iraqi PM makes first official visit to Iran in bid to deepen ties

What Happened

Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi arrived in Tehran on his first official visit since assuming office in May. He met with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, and the two leaders oversaw the signing of multiple agreements and memoranda of understanding covering foreign affairs, finance, economy, and energy. Al-Zaidi thanked Iran for its support in Iraq’s fight against ISIL and stated that Iraq would not allow any party to use its territory for hostile actions against Iran. Pezeshkian described a comprehensive strategic cooperation plan as a roadmap for expanding bilateral relations and stressed that the security of the two neighbors is inextricably linked. Al-Zaidi is scheduled to hold further talks with senior Iranian officials on bilateral cooperation, shared interests, and regional security during the two-day visit.

Key Actors

Why It Matters

The visit highlights Iraq’s heavy reliance on Iranian natural gas and electricity, with bilateral trade exceeding $12 billion annually, making Iran one of Iraq’s largest trading partners. Deep religious ties, represented by millions of Iranian pilgrims visiting Iraqi Shia shrines, further bind the two nations. Politically, Iran retains influence through ties with Shia parties and armed groups in Iraq’s security apparatus. The trip underscores Baghdad’s delicate balancing act between maintaining relations with both Iran and the United States, especially as the US wages a ‘maximum pressure’ campaign against Tehran. Al-Zaidi’s pledge to block anti-Iran activities from Iraqi soil and his reported role as a potential mediator reflect Iraq’s critical position in regional security dynamics.

Watch For

Monitor the implementation of the signed economic and energy agreements, which could deepen Iraq’s dependence on Iran despite US sanctions. Watch for any concrete steps by Baghdad to curb the activities of Iranian-backed armed groups, as well as signals that Iraq is formally mediating between Washington and Tehran. The visit’s impact on the US-Iraq relationship and any follow-up diplomatic initiatives will be key indicators of Iraq’s foreign policy trajectory. Additionally, note whether the comprehensive strategic cooperation plan leads to new military or intelligence coordination clauses.