Jerusalem Post/Middle East/Iran NewsZaidi's visit also comes more than a week after he met with US President Donald Trump on July 14.Follow us on GoogleIraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian attend a welcoming ceremony in Tehran, Iran July 23, 2026.(photo credit: THE MEDIA OFFICE OF THE PRIME MINISTER/HANDOUT VIA REUTERS)BySETH J. FRANTZMANJULY 23, 2026 16:31Iraq’s Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi arrived in Iran on Thursday to meet with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, and is expected to focus on regional security issues, trade, and energy supplies, according to Iraqi media.Zaidi's visit also comes more than a week after he met with US President Donald Trump on July 14.Iraq’s Prime Minister’s Office noted on Thursday that the Iraqi leader had received an official reception ceremony at Saadabad Palace in the Iranian capital of Tehran.“Welcoming His Excellency was the president of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Mr. Masoud Pezeshkian," Iraq's Prime Minister's Office stated. "During the ceremony, the national anthems of both countries were played, and the guard of honor was inspected.”Zaidi's office added that, after arriving in Tehran, Zaidi had held a bilateral meeting with Pezeshkian.Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi meets with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian in Tehran, Iran July 23, 2026. (credit: THE MEDIA OFFICE OF THE PRIME MINISTER/HANDOUT VIA REUTERS)Iran-Iraq meeting will discuss bilateral cooperation, Iraqi PM says“Today, we head to Tehran on an official visit, during which we will meet with senior officials in the Islamic Republic of Iran to discuss files of common interest, bilateral cooperation, and consultation on regional issues and efforts aimed at consolidating security and stability in the region,” Zaidi said in a comment posted on X/Twitter.The Iraqi prime minister also noted that “Iraq and Iran are bound together by historical and civilizational ties, geographical borders, and shared interests, which impose a continuation of work in the spirit of dialogue, cooperation, and mutual respect, thereby enhancing sustainable development and prosperity for the peoples of both countries, and contributing to support for security and stability at the regional and international levels.”Iraq’s prime minister has been seeking out closer ties with the US and US companies. He has also vowed to rein in militias in Iraq. Iranian-backed militias in Iraq are sanctioned by the US as terrorist groups, and Iran has used them to carry out attacks in Iraq and around the region. Iran and its militias have carried out more than 1,000 attacks in Iraq since February.Iraqi prime minister lacked political experience prior to electionZaidi became Iraq’s prime minister earlier this year after months of haggling in Iraq in the wake of elections in November 2025. A businessman and political newcomer, Zaidi had not previously held elected office. He was the chairman of Al-Janoob Islamic Bank, and his background in banking, business and investment made him different from many other candidates. During that election, the US had opposed Nouri al-Maliki, a former prime minister, returning to office.Zaidi’s rise followed Iraq’s November 2025 parliamentary elections, after which the Shi’ite Coordination Framework remained the dominant parliamentary bloc. Months of negotiations followed over the premiership.On April 27, Iraq’s new President Nizar Amedi formally designated Zaidi to form a government. Parliament voted on Zaidi and 14 members of his cabinet on May 14, when he took the constitutional oath and became prime minister.Follow us on Google