Zaidi meets Iranian envoy, welcomes US-Iran agreement

BAGHDAD — Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi met Tuesday with Iran’s ambassador to Iraq, Mohammad Kazem Al-e Sadegh, who conveyed greetings from Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and reiterated Tehran’s commitment to strengthening relations with Baghdad, the prime minister’s media office said.

Al-e Sadegh reaffirmed “his country’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and enhancing coordination on matters of mutual interest,” the statement said. The two reviewed prospects for cooperation and discussed expanding collaboration across multiple sectors.

The meeting also addressed regional developments, with Zaidi welcoming the agreement between the United States and Iran. He “welcomed the ceasefire agreement” and stressed Iraq’s support for “ongoing efforts aimed at consolidating security and stability and preventing the continuation of the conflict and threats to regional and international peace,” the statement said.

The remarks follow the announcement of a framework agreement between Washington and Tehran that includes an end to military operations, a commitment to further negotiations and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. Announced via mediator Pakistan, the arrangement is expected to ease tensions and open a period for talks on Iran’s nuclear program, with a signing ceremony to follow.

On Monday, Zaidi met U.S. presidential envoy Tom Barrack, during which Iraq and the United States agreed on a package of security, strategic and economic understandings centered on the disarmament of armed groups operating outside state control, ahead of an expected White House summit between Zaidi and President Donald Trump next month.