Iraqi PM says Iraq-Iran ties rooted in sovereignty, shared interests ahead of Tehran visit

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' al-Sudani said relations between Iraq and Iran are built on mutual respect for sovereignty and shared interests, ahead of an official visit to Tehran. In a post on X, al-Sudani announced he had left Baghdad for the Iranian capital, where he is scheduled to meet senior officials. Al-Sudani said the talks would cover bilateral cooperation, regional issues and files of mutual interest, and stressed that historical, civilizational and geographic ties between the two countries should continue in a spirit of dialogue and mutual respect. He added that this approach would support development and prosperity as well as regional and international security and stability. A government source said the visit's agenda is expected to focus on regional de-escalation efforts, energy security and strengthening economic partnerships. Al-Sudani departed Baghdad for Tehran in the morning hours. The Tehran trip comes days after al-Sudani completed a five-day visit to the United States, where discussions covered economic partnership, attracting investment, developing the energy and oil sectors, and increasing crude oil exports and production capacity. No further details on the Iranian side of the agenda were immediately available.