WASHINGTON: Iraq has announced its readiness to play a mediating role between the United States and Iran as part of a diplomatic effort aimed at ending the war and paving the way for renewed dialogue, with Baghdad expressing its willingness to help bridge differences, particularly on economic issues. Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein told Asharq’s Washington bureau chief, Hiba Nasr, that Prime Minister Mohammed Ali Al-Zaidi will visit Iran on July 23 following his visit to the United States.