Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi is currently visiting Iran for his first official trip since taking office in May 2026. This visit marks a significant step in fostering closer ties between the two nations. Upon landing in Tehran on July 23, 2026, al-Zaidi was greeted warmly and proceeded to meet with top Iranian officials.

During the visit, al-Zaidi and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian oversaw the signing of a series of agreements and memoranda of understanding. These agreements are centred on vital areas, including foreign affairs, economics, finance, and energy cooperation. This collaborative effort signals a commitment to enhancing bilateral relations.

Discussions on Security and Cooperation

In a joint session involving senior Iranian and Iraqi officials, al-Zaidi expressed gratitude for Iran’s support during Iraq’s struggle against the ISIL group. He reaffirmed Iraq’s dedication to security partnerships with Tehran, emphasising a stance against any hostile actions directed at Iran. Al-Zaidi noted, “Iraq will never forget Iran’s support in the fight against the [ISIL] terrorist group.”

Pezeshkian highlighted the importance of a comprehensive strategic cooperation plan, which serves as a framework for improving relations between the two nations. He noted that the security of Iraq and Iran is interlinked, signalling the need for a united front against regional threats.

Over two days, al-Zaidi is expected to engage in further discussions regarding shared interests, bilateral collaboration, and regional security concerns. He stated, “We will meet with senior officials of the Islamic Republic of Iran to discuss issues of mutual interest and ongoing efforts to consolidate security and stability across the region.”

Economic Ties and Historical Links

Iraq’s dependence on Iranian energy resources remains significant, as the country relies heavily on Iranian natural gas and electricity. Bilateral trade between Iraq and Iran is reported to exceed 12 billion dollars annually, positioning Iraq among Iran’s largest trading partners. This economic interdependence facilitates deeper relations that benefit both nations.

In addition to economic connections, a profound religious relationship exists, with millions of Iranian Shia pilgrims crossing into Iraq to visit important religious sites. Recently, the funeral procession for Iran’s former Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, traversed significant Shia pilgrimage cities in Iraq, further illustrating the cultural and religious ties binding the two countries.

The Iranian government maintains robust ties with various influential Shia political entities and armed groups in Iraq, integral to the country’s security framework. Such relationships bolster Iran’s standing in Iraq, potentially impacting regional dynamics.

Political analyst Ghaleb Al-Daami remarked that al-Zaidi’s visit comes at a critical juncture as Iraq seeks to balance relations between conflicting forces, particularly the United States and Iran. He noted that one of the objectives of al-Zaidi’s visit is to convey messages to Iran regarding its support of armed groups in Iraq, alongside delivering communication from the US, which has expressed a desire for Iraq to act as a mediator in the ongoing conflict with Iran.

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