Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi paid his first official visit to Tehran on July 23, leading a high-level government delegation for talks with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and other senior officials. The visit came shortly after al-Zaidi's trip to Washington and reflected Baghdad's efforts to balance its relations with both Tehran and Washington while strengthening regional diplomacy.
Energy cooperation was a key item on the agenda. The two sides discussed expanding natural gas cooperation, facilitating electricity trade, and enhancing cross-border economic relations. They also reviewed broader regional developments, including the security situation and maritime trade routes.
According to official statements, Iran and Iraq signed several cooperation agreements covering economic collaboration, trade, and infrastructure. The leaders reaffirmed their commitment to increasing bilateral trade and improving transport and energy connectivity between the two neighboring countries.
The visit took place amid heightened regional tensions and followed al-Zaidi's meetings in the United States, where Iraq announced major energy agreements with U.S. companies. Analysts view the Tehran visit as part of Baghdad's strategy to maintain balanced relations with both Washington and Tehran while safeguarding Iraq's energy security and economic interests.