Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi is welcomed upon his arrival in Tehran
Zaidi, Pezeshkian discuss trade, security during Tehran talks
BAGHDAD — Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi met Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian in Tehran on Thursday, with the two leaders discussing economic cooperation, regional issues and security while agreeing to advance the work of the joint Iraqi-Iranian economic committee.
Zaidi was formally welcomed at Saadabad Palace in the Iranian capital, where Pezeshkian received him during an official ceremony that included the Iraqi and Iranian national anthems and an inspection of the honor guard. The two leaders later held joint talks with their delegations.
According to the prime minister’s media office, the discussions focused on issues of mutual interest, including establishing a mechanism for the joint Iraqi-Iranian economic committee.
During the talks, Zaidi said his visit reflected the depth of relations between the two countries and “represents a bridge of friendship between the two peoples,” pointing to their shared religious, historical, geographic and cultural ties.
He said the visit aimed to discuss issues affecting both countries and the wider region, adding, “our security is shared and we will not allow any threat against Iran to originate from Iraqi territory.” Zaidi also recalled Iran’s support for Iraq during the war against the Islamic State group and called for expanding joint investment across multiple sectors.
Pezeshkian thanked the Iraqi people for what the statement described as their role in the funeral of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and said security and stability were essential for development and economic cooperation. According to the statement, he said “security stability is very important and reflects positively on bilateral development,” adding that the two countries have important opportunities for joint investment.
Before departing Baghdad, Zaidi said he would meet senior Iranian officials to discuss issues of mutual interest, bilateral cooperation and regional developments.
In a post on X, Zaidi said the visit would focus on “issues of mutual interest, bilateral cooperation and consultations on regional issues and efforts aimed at strengthening security and stability in the region.”
Government spokesperson Haider al-Aboudi said the visit came at the invitation of the Iranian president and that Zaidi was leading a high-level government delegation to Tehran to advance Iraq’s strategic interests through dialogue. He said the talks would focus on economic cooperation in transport, industry and financial affairs, alongside regional and international developments.
Earlier this week, Aboudi said the visit would also cover energy, trade, transport and agriculture. He added that Iraq continued to support dialogue to reduce regional tensions, stating, “We affirm that negotiations are the best way to address the dangerous repercussions for the region and the world.”
Ahead of the visit, Aboudi said Iraq’s campaign to place all weapons under state control would not be discussed outside the country, describing it as “a sovereign Iraqi matter that is not discussed in other capitals” and adding that limiting arms to the state “is a national decision and one of the priorities of the prime minister’s government program.”
According to Al-Mada newspaper, Zaidi was expected to raise the issue of armed factions operating outside state control during the Tehran visit, including Baghdad’s campaign to complete the surrender of concealed ballistic missiles and drones before the Sept. 30 deadline set by the Iraqi government. The report said the undeclared arsenal includes about eight ballistic missiles and hundreds of drones.