Iraqi PM al-Zaydi visits Tehran for talks on security, transport and energy

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Falih al-Zaydi traveled to Tehran on Thursday for a one-day visit, his second foreign stop since taking office after Washington. He met with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and senior officials, with talks covering security, political and economic issues between Baghdad and Tehran. Speaking after the meetings, al-Zaydi said Iraqi and Iranian security was shared and stressed that Iraqi territory would not be used to threaten Iran. Several agreements were signed during the visit covering international freight transport, a Kermanshah-Hasroud-Khanaqin-Baghdad railway connection, a sister-city protocol and cooperation in public administration and human resources. Both sides also agreed to prepare a comprehensive strategic document covering political, economic, cultural and security cooperation, and to expand collaboration in energy, transport, transit, industry and agriculture. Other items on the agenda included accelerating railway link projects, addressing environmental challenges, joint counterterrorism efforts and strengthening coordination against organized crime. The visit took place amid heightened tensions between the United States and Iran, with Baghdad seeking to maintain a careful balance between Washington and Tehran. No further details on the signed agreements were immediately available.