Iran's Velayati criticizes Iraqi PM Sudani's US visit as 'unfortunate'

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Ali Akbar Velayati, an adviser to Iran's Supreme Leader, has sharply criticized Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' al-Sudani's recent visit to Washington, calling it "unfortunate and shameful." Velayati described Sudani as "young and inexperienced," accusing him of undertaking the trip before mourning for the late Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei had concluded and without showing any sign of grief. Sudani traveled to Washington last Monday leading a high-level delegation of ministers, officials, investors and business figures for a seven-day official visit. He met President Donald Trump at the White House to discuss a range of bilateral issues. A source familiar with the visit said the talks were expected to produce more than 18 partnership agreements covering politics, economics, industry, energy, oil, education, health, investment and armaments. The source said the accords would strengthen Iraq-US cooperation and that some were close to being signed. No immediate response was available from Sudani's office or Iraqi officials to Velayati's remarks.