Iraq PM al-Zaidi to visit Iran July 23-24 after US trip
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Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi is scheduled to arrive in Tehran on July 23 for a two-day official visit, days after concluding his first trip to Washington. The visit underscores Baghdad's effort to balance ties with both the United States and Iran amid their ongoing conflict.
The New Prime Minister
Al-Zaidi, a multimillionaire businessman and compromise candidate of the Shia bloc, became prime minister in May. He was reportedly preferred by the US over his rival, former Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki. Al-Zaidi has launched a high-profile anti-corruption campaign, detaining key political figures on suspicion of graft.
US Visit Outcomes
During his mid-July Washington visit, al-Zaidi struck a rapport with President Donald Trump, who called him "a fantastic champion" and announced dozens of agreements with US companies. The deals include rehabilitation of a dormant Iraqi-Syrian oil pipeline, welcomed by the US State Department. Al-Zaidi emphasized shifting Iraq-US ties from security to economic collaboration.
Iran Ties and Challenges
Iraq relies heavily on Iranian natural gas and electricity, with bilateral trade exceeding $12 billion annually. Millions of Iranian Shia pilgrims visit Iraqi holy sites each year. Iran maintains close ties with Shia parties and armed groups that are integral to Iraq's security forces, giving Tehran significant leverage. The US has pressed Iraq to tighten control over Iran-aligned armed groups active in the country.
What's Next
Al-Zaidi is expected to meet Iranian leaders to discuss energy cooperation and regional security. It remains unclear whether he can reduce Iraq's dependence on Iran while satisfying US demands to curb Tehran's influence.
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Iraq PM al-Zaidi to visit Iran July 23-24 after US trip
