The Prime Minister of Iraq, Ali al-Zaidi, heads to the Iranian capital Tehran on Thursday on an official visit during which he will meet with senior Iranian officials to discuss issues of common interest, bilateral cooperation, and consult on regional issues and efforts to consolidate security and stability in the region.

Al-Zaidi said in a post on platform X that Iraq and Iran are bound by historical and cultural ties, geographical borders, and common interests, which requires continuing work in a spirit of dialogue, cooperation, and mutual respect to enhance sustainable development and prosperity for the peoples of both countries and contribute to supporting security and stability at the regional and international levels.

The visit comes after al-Zaidi returned to Iraq on Sunday from a week-long visit to the United States, which he made at the invitation of US President Donald Trump, and saw the signing of 48 agreements and memoranda of understanding for economic cooperation with American companies, many of which were in the oil sector.

"We are not part of the war"

Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein affirmed Baghdad's readiness to act as a mediator between Tehran and Washington, noting that Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi will visit Iran on July 23rd following his visit to the United States.

Hussein said in an interview with Al-Sharq in Washington last Friday that Iraq will present its vision during the prime minister's visit to Iran regarding the necessity of ending the war, stressing that any discussion of initiatives, especially economic aspects, first requires an end to escalation, and that "all things can be discussed if the war ends."

The Iraqi Foreign Minister added that Baghdad is ready to play a mediating role between Tehran and Washington, especially on economic files, emphasizing that the priority at the current stage is to stop the war and prepare the conditions for dialogue.

Hussein indicated that the Iraqi prime minister's tour also includes a visit to Turkey on July 28, in addition to a possible visit to Saudi Arabia.