Iraq PM heads to Iran: Can Baghdad redefine its relationship with Tehran?
Summary
Iraq’s new prime minister, Ali al-Zaidi, visited the United States and Iran shortly after taking office to balance relations with two influential countries shaping Iraq’s politics and economy. His government aims to shift Iraq’s ties with the US from security to economic cooperation while managing close but complex connections with Iran and its allied groups inside Iraq.Key Facts
- Ali al-Zaidi became Iraq’s prime minister in May 2026.
- He made his first foreign trips to Washington, DC, and Tehran.
- In the US, he and President Donald Trump discussed increasing economic partnerships and agreed on projects like reopening an Iraq-Syria oil pipeline.
- Iraq depends heavily on Iran for natural gas and electricity, with bilateral trade over $12 billion yearly.
- Millions of Iranian Shia pilgrims visit Iraq each year, showing strong religious and cultural ties.
- Iran has influence in Iraq through Shia political parties and armed groups that are part of Iraq’s security forces.
- The US pressures Iraq to control Iran-aligned armed groups linked to ongoing conflicts involving Iran.
- Al-Zaidi is also working to improve Iraq’s relationships with Gulf states and Turkey to balance regional powers.
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