Iraq's PM visits Tehran after Washington trip, signs transport and rail deals

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' al-Sudani made a day-long visit to Tehran following his recent trip to Washington, meeting Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and senior officials. Sudani told his hosts that Iraqi and Iranian security were shared and that Iraqi territory would not be allowed to be used for any threat against Iran, according to statements from both sides. The visit produced a series of agreements and memoranda of understanding covering transport, rail, education and public administration. Among them were a Kermanshah–Khosravi–Khanaqin–Baghdad rail link, an international freight transport accord, and a Baghdad–Tehran sister-city protocol. The two governments also agreed to prepare a broader strategic cooperation document covering political, economic, cultural and security fields. The talks took place against a backdrop of heightened tension between the United States and Iran, with Baghdad seeking to maintain a balanced posture between Washington and Tehran. Iraqi and international observers pointed to Baghdad's potential role as a mediator between the two sides. Analysts noted that Iraq's 2008 Strategic Framework Agreement with the United States and its longstanding ties with Iran give it a suitable platform for dialogue between the two governments.