Between Trump and Pezeshkian… Al-Zaidi maneuvers: What has he achieved for Baghdad?

During his visit to the Iranian capital, Tehran, on Thursday, Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Faleh al-Zaidi carried with him multiple political, security, and economic files, in his second foreign stop after his visit to Washington, which focused on economic, investment, and energy issues.

The one-day visit, which included meetings with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and several senior Iranian officials, came amid escalating tensions between the United States and Iran, and Baghdad’s attempts to maintain a delicate balance between its strategic ally in Washington and its neighbor Iran.

During the talks, Al-Zaydi stressed that “Iraq and Iran’s security is shared,” emphasizing that Baghdad will not allow any threat targeting Iran to originate from Iraqi territory, while calling for expanding investments and strengthening economic cooperation between the two countries.

The visit also resulted in the signing of a number of agreements and memoranda of understanding in the fields of transport, railways, training and management, including an agreement on international freight shipping and transport, a memorandum on railway linking Kermanshah, Khosravi and Khanaqin to Baghdad, as well as a twinning memorandum between Baghdad and Tehran, and another for the development of government administration and human resources.

Observers believe that the most prominent aspect of the visit was Iraq’s attempt to establish its position as a party capable of communicating with various regional and international powers, amid increasing talk of a possible Iraqi role in bringing Washington and Tehran closer together.

Baghdad mediation

In this context, Professor of International Relations Saleh Al-Shadhar believes that the visit comes at a stage that is witnessing a reshaping of the regional system, considering that Iraq will be an important player in the next stage.

Al-Shadhar told Shafaq News Agency that “a regional Arab system is forming, and Iraq will have a major role in leading it,” noting that the Middle East is witnessing transformations led by the United States within an international system with a unipolar tendency.

According to the professor of international relations, Al-Zaidi has a role that US President Donald Trump described as being significant for Iraq, considering that the Tehran visit could lead to important results in terms of Iraqi foreign policy.

According to Al-Shadhar, one of the goals of the visit is to convey reassuring messages to the Iranian side regarding the possibility of returning to the path of negotiations with Washington, including previous agreements, the nuclear program and ballistic missiles, or reaching a truce that allows for discussion of outstanding issues.

He asserts that Iraq’s partnership with the United States under the 2008 Strategic Framework Agreement, along with its historical ties with Iran, gives it an opportunity to play a mediating role acceptable to both sides.

Tehran Files

For his part, Iranian affairs expert Mehdi Azizi believes that talk of an Iraqi role in mediating between Washington and Tehran preceded the visit, whether through statements by Iraqi officials or through media discussions in Iran and the United States.

Azizi explained to Shafaq News Agency that “Trump wanted to give al-Zaidi the role of mediator between Iran and America to bring them back to the negotiating table,” noting that Iraq has direct motives to engage in this path, given the impact of any escalation on its security and economy.

He adds that the Strait of Hormuz file is one of the most prominent issues on the table, as the continued disruption of navigation or the closure of the strait will directly affect the Iraqi economy and oil exports.

He also indicates that economic relations between Baghdad and Tehran, and the American messages that al-Zaidi is believed to be carrying to Iranian officials, were among the issues discussed.

He also points out that the issue of armed factions in Iraq is one of the most sensitive issues, explaining that Washington has demanded that weapons be restricted to the state, and that part of the discussions may address the possibility of pushing Tehran to influence the factions that refuse to hand over their weapons.

He says the visit represents al-Zaidi’s “second stop” after Washington, which gives it special importance in light of the entanglement of regional issues including Syria, Lebanon, and the future of Iraqi-American relations.

De-escalation

Independent politician Abu Mithaq al-Masari believes that the most prominent aspect of the Tehran visit is the attempt to reduce tensions between the United States and Iran.

Al-Masari told Shafaq News Agency that “an important part of the Iraqi Prime Minister’s visit to Iran will be dedicated to containing friction between the American and Iranian sides,” noting that cooling down contentious issues and postponing some outstanding points may open the door to new understandings.

Al-Masari notes that returning to the memorandum signed between the two parties represents an important goal to spare the region, and Iraq in particular, the repercussions of any military confrontation.

He points out that Iraq’s good relations with both sides of the crisis give it a greater opportunity than others to play a mediating role, noting that Al-Zaidi’s visit to the White House was immediately followed by his visit to Tehran, which, in his estimation, reflects a desire on both sides to benefit from the Iraqi role in reducing escalation.

Economic dimension

For his part, Hassan Fad’am, a leader in the Wisdom Movement, links the visits to Washington and Tehran, considering that Iraq’s external movement aims primarily to provide a stable environment that supports the economy and development.

Fadaam told Shafaq News Agency that Al-Zaidi’s visit to the United States focused on moving Iraqi-American relations from a security and military framework to an economic, investment and development partnership.

This shows that implementing these projects requires a safe environment and political and economic stability, which is what prompted Baghdad to try to ease tensions between Washington and Tehran.

He affirms that Iraq, by virtue of its geographical location and its relations with Iran, is capable of conveying messages and contributing to dialogue processes, noting that Iraqi foreign policy focuses on protecting stability and preventing the country from becoming an arena of conflict between regional and international powers.

Limits of mediation

In contrast, Ashraf Akka, an international relations expert from Ramallah, believes that Baghdad’s ability to prevent a large-scale escalation between Washington and Tehran faces significant challenges due to the nature of the conflict itself.

Akka told Shafaq News Agency, “I don’t believe that the Iraqi Prime Minister’s visit to Iran alone can prevent Iraq and the region from sliding into a wider confrontation,” explaining that the region is experiencing a phase of alignments that go beyond the limits of the traditional Iranian-American dispute.

He adds that Iraq faces an internal challenge in the differing positions of political forces and factions regarding the nature of the relationship with the United States, noting that the success of any foreign policy requires internal national consensus.

It shows that the current conflict is not limited to a confrontation between Tehran and Washington, but is related to redrawing the balance of influence and the geopolitical and economic balances in the region.

He emphasizes that the ability of any Iraqi prime minister to achieve a genuine balance requires an internal national dialogue capable of managing divisions over the war and regional alliances.

Outcomes of the visit

In addition to the political issues, Al-Zaidi’s visit had a clear economic dimension, as the joint Iraqi-Iranian statement confirmed the agreement to prepare a comprehensive strategic document to enhance cooperation between the two countries in the political, economic, cultural and security fields.

The two sides also agreed to enhance trade and joint investments, develop cooperation in the fields of energy, transport, transit, industry and agriculture, as well as accelerate the implementation of railway linkage projects.

One of the most prominent projects that has been emphasized is the railway link between Iraq and Iran, which is expected to enhance the movement of goods and passengers, and support Iraq’s position as a regional trade corridor.

The statement also included strengthening cooperation in addressing environmental challenges, particularly drought, dust storms and water resource management, as well as expanding security coordination in combating terrorism, organized crime and smuggling.

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Sanctions are being imposed on Baghdad; a report urges Trump to target those who sign “contracts” with the factions.

Over the years, the United States has imposed dozens of sanctions on leaders of armed factions, their companies and banks in Iraq, hoping to dry up their sources of funding and limit their influence within the country. DailyNews Reports

However, according to a report by the American ” Middle East Forum ,” translated by Shafaq News Agency, these sanctions have not achieved the goal for which they were created, because the problem no longer lies with the factions alone, but with the state institutions that continue to grant them contracts, funds, and legal cover.

The American report suggests that Washington is increasingly convinced that the current sanctions are insufficient, and that the next phase should target government officials who sign contracts and grant administrative approvals to entities subject to American sanctions.

The report places the General Engineers Company at the forefront of this system, stating that it represents the most important economic arm of the pro-Iranian armed factions. The company was established by a decision of the Iraqi Council of Ministers and received initial government funding of $76 million upon its founding, in addition to more than $305 million within its investment budget.

Despite the company being on US sanctions lists, the Iraqi government transferred more than 1.2 million acres of land on the Saudi border to it, and the Ministry of Communications awarded it a contract to build a fiber optic project, providing it with a financial resource and strategic influence in the communications sector, according to the report.

The matter is not limited to the engineer’s company, but extends to a wider economic network that includes tourism companies, restaurants, health resorts, universities, private schools and health centers, which – according to the report – are used as fronts for money laundering after the tightening of American control over the dollar window in the Central Bank of Iraq.

The report cites the example of Asaib Ahl al-Haq member Ali al-Shammari, saying that he uses his medical clinic as a front for money laundering, while his economic activities have become a platform for accessing political work and parliament.

The report argues that the US sanctions have created what it calls a “dual legitimacy system.” While Washington imposes international isolation on these entities, Iraqi state institutions continue to grant them legal legitimacy, contracts, and funds, making the sanctions symbolic abroad, while the influence of these networks remains intact within Iraq.

Based on this conviction, the report calls on the administration of President Donald Trump to completely change its strategy by targeting general managers, procurement officials, and government employees who sign contracts or grant administrative approvals to entities subject to sanctions, and not to be satisfied with blacklisting front companies or faction leaders.

It also proposes linking any future US economic or diplomatic assistance to Iraq to measurable reform measures, and bringing international forensic auditing firms into financial, customs and government procurement institutions.

The report concludes that dismantling the economic influence of the factions will not be achieved by sanctions alone, but by reforming the state institutions themselves, warning that maintaining the current situation will turn sanctions into a limited pressure tool, while networks linked to Tehran continue to invest Iraqi state resources to enhance their political and military influence.

Shafaq.com

MP: US loan to Iraq is conditional on parliamentary legislation

On Thursday, Mansour Al-Baiji, a member of the parliamentary finance committee, confirmed that the American loan that Iraq is supposed to receive is contingent upon the passage of the borrowing law in the House of Representatives. IraqPolitics Report

Al-Baji told Shafaq News Agency that “the borrowing law will be included on the agenda of the upcoming sessions of the House of Representatives, at the request of Finance Minister Falih al-Sari.”

He added that “there is an external loan of $2 billion from the US Treasury, but it is conditional on the Iraqi parliament passing a law on borrowing.”

“Without a loan law, we believe that the United States of America will not give any loan to the government of Ali al-Zaidi,” he asserted.

The parliamentary finance committee revealed last Monday that the borrowing law will be an alternative to the general budget law for 2026.

The head of the parliamentary finance committee, Uday Awad, told Shafaq News Agency that “the law includes mechanisms for internal and external borrowing, without specifying a certain amount or financial ceiling,” explaining that “the draft law grants specific powers to each minister with regard to spending, in addition to other powers granted to the Council of Ministers in accordance with the provisions of the law.”

Earlier, Finance Committee member Hussein Al-Daraji revealed to Shafaq News Agency that the legislative and executive authorities intend to gradually move towards implementing a “programs and performance budget” starting from next year, 2027, to ensure the regulation of spending and the protection of public funds.

The committee had hosted the Minister of Finance and senior officials in the ministry on July 7 to discuss the financial and economic situation and the mechanisms for preparing the draft federal budget for 2027.

Shafaq.com

Al-Zaidi from Tehran: Our security is shared and we will not allow Iran to be threatened from Iraqi territory.

Prime Minister Ali Faleh al-Zaidi affirmed on Thursday that the security of Iraq and Iran is “shared and we will not allow any threat to Iran to originate from Iraqi territory,” while recalling Iran’s “honorable stance in supporting Iraq” during the war against ISIS.

This came, according to a statement from the Prime Minister’s office, which was received by Shafaq News Agency, during Al-Zaidi’s leadership of the Iraqi delegation in the joint talks with the Iranian side, which was represented by Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian. WashingtonNews Updates

The statement added that the two sides discussed a number of issues of common interest, including establishing a mechanism for the work of the joint Iraqi-Iranian economic committee.

Al-Zaydi stressed that his visit to Iran reflects the depth and renewal of the relationship, and represents a bridge of friendship between the two peoples, pointing to the partnership that unites the two countries in religion, civilization, geography and culture.

Al-Zaydi explained that the visit comes in order to discuss issues concerning the two countries and the region, calling for joint investments in various fields.

For his part, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian expressed his gratitude for the noble stance of the Iraqi people in the funeral procession of the late Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, and also pointed to the depth of the commonalities between the two peoples.

Barzashkian stressed that security stability is very important and positively impacts bilateral development, and he also pointed to the existence of important joint investment opportunities between the two countries.

Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Faleh al-Zaidi arrived in the Iranian capital, Tehran, on Thursday morning for an official visit.

The official reception ceremony for Al-Zaidi took place at Saadabad Palace in the capital, Tehran. He was received by the President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Masoud Pezeshkian, during which the national anthems of both countries were played, and the honor guard was inspected.

Before leaving Baghdad, Al-Zaidi said in a post on the “X” platform that during his visit he would meet with senior officials in the Islamic Republic of Iran to discuss issues of common interest, bilateral cooperation, and consultations on regional issues and efforts to consolidate security and stability in the region.

Shafaq.com

Exclusive: More than 150 officials on the list of those to be dismissed or retired in Iraq during July

A government source revealed on Thursday that lists are being prepared to dismiss and retire more than 150 government officials during the month of July, as part of a campaign to reassess administrative leaders and those with special grades in state institutions.

The source told Shafaq News Agency that “the measures will include undersecretaries, directors general, and those with special grades, and will range between dismissal from office or referral to retirement, based on the results of evaluating their functional and administrative performance.” NewsArticle Subscription

He explained that “each minister will be responsible for monitoring and evaluating the performance of agents, directors general, and special grade employees working within his ministry, and preparing official lists that include the level of competence, integrity, and achievement, as well as the recorded indicators regarding financial or administrative corruption.”

He added that “the relevant minister will be authorized to propose the dismissal or removal of any official against whom indicators related to corruption or mismanagement are proven, and if evidence of his involvement is available, his file will be referred to the competent regulatory and judicial authorities to take measures in accordance with Iraqi law.”

According to the source, “the first batch of exemptions and changes will include more than 150 officials during this month, to be followed by another batch in August.”

He noted that Prime Minister Ali Faleh al-Zaidi directed the ministers, during the weekly cabinet meeting held last Tuesday, to identify and dismiss any undersecretary or director general suspected of financial or administrative corruption.

The source confirmed that “government procedures will hold the minister concerned responsible for keeping any undersecretary or director general suspected of corruption in his position, which represents a green light for ministers to take the necessary measures without delay.”

He pointed out that ministries whose ministers have not been chosen due to the incomplete cabinet will have the same powers granted to the officials in charge of managing them on an acting basis to conduct assessments and changes, including security ministries.

Earlier this month, the Cabinet authorized the Prime Minister to rotate, transfer, and replace directors-general and those of equivalent rank in all state institutions, based on a proposal from the relevant minister or the head of the entity not affiliated with a ministry, as part of what it described as the institutional reform program.

The government also announced the adoption of new standards for evaluating those holding special grades, including professional competence, integrity, administrative experience, academic achievement, leadership ability, and the level of institutional performance, instead of relying on political and partisan affiliation in selecting officials.

This comes as a political source revealed to Shafaq News Agency that the Prime Minister is preparing to meet with the leaders of the Coordination Framework to discuss lifting the political cover from officials accused of corruption, including 12 prominent political and party figures, in preparation for a new phase of the anti-corruption campaign that includes files in the Ministries of Health, Oil and Electricity.

Our sources previously revealed the preparation of a list of 40 individuals accused of financial and administrative corruption, including current and former members of parliament, undersecretaries, directors-general, company owners, and intermediaries, in preparation for taking legal action against those found guilty and recovering the funds obtained from public money.

Shafaq.com

“Reconstruction and Development”: No decisive agreement yet to complete Al-Zidi’s ministerial cabinet

The head of the “Reconstruction and Development” bloc, Bahaa al-Araji, confirmed on Thursday that there is no decisive agreement between the active political blocs to complete the current ministerial formation headed by Prime Minister Ali al-Zubaidi.

Al-Araji said during a press conference held in the parliament building in the presence of a correspondent from Shafaq News Agency, “There is no decisive agreement yet to complete the cabinet, and we need to resolve the issue of the vacant ministries as soon as possible,” calling on the council presidency to hold a special session to vote on them. WashingtonNews Updates

Al-Araji urged the political blocs to unite their ranks, noting that “the next stage is dangerous and requires finding a solid foundation for understanding and dialogue,” while pointing out that the regional conflict between Washington and Tehran has negatively affected the Iraqi reality due to the worsening oil export crisis and the deterioration of the energy and services sectors.

This statement comes in conjunction with what an informed source revealed last Saturday, that the political forces that did not complete their government quotas according to the electoral entitlement have begun forming internal committees to sort and study the names of candidates for the remaining portfolios.

The source told Shafaq News Agency that “the State of Law Coalition, led by Nouri al-Maliki, and through its internal committee concerned with nominating candidates for the Ministry of Interior, is currently studying the resumes of six candidates, including former minister Abdul Amir al-Shammari and Lieutenant General Qasim Atta. However, the latter is facing difficulty in passing his nomination due to a local and regional veto against him, despite pressure from some parties to pass it.”

The source added that “the list also includes technocrat candidates, among them a lieutenant general with a doctorate from the Ministry of Interior’s staff and a long history in security service, as well as independent figures,” noting that “the Ministry of Higher Education falls under the State of Law entitlement as well, while the Ministry of Youth and Sports will be allocated to the Wisdom Movement, and the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs to the Sadiqun bloc.”

It is worth noting that the Iraqi parliament voted on May 14 to grant confidence to Ali al-Zaidi’s government and its ministerial program with 14 ministers, while the vote on the remaining 9 ministries was postponed due to continued disagreements over the distribution of portfolios, amid reports indicating international warnings against the inclusion of armed factions in the new formation.

Shafaq.com

The Prime Minister arrives in Iran on an official visit

Prime Minister Ali Faleh al-Zaidi arrived in the Islamic Republic of Iran on Thursday for an official visit, according to the official news agency, which stated that “Prime Minister Ali Faleh al-Zaidi arrived in Iran for an official visit, at the head of a high-level ministerial delegation.”

She also confirmed that his official visit to the Islamic Republic of Iran will include discussions on issues of common interest and strengthening bilateral cooperation with senior Iranian officials. Al-Zaidi stated in a post on the “X” platform, “Today we are heading to Tehran on an official visit during which we will meet with senior officials in the Islamic Republic of Iran to discuss issues of common interest, bilateral cooperation, and consultations on regional issues and efforts aimed at consolidating security and stability in the region.”

He added that “Iraq and Iran are bound by historical and cultural ties, geographical borders and common interests, which necessitates continuing to work in a spirit of dialogue, cooperation and mutual respect, in a way that promotes sustainable development and prosperity for the people of both countries, and contributes to supporting security and stability at the regional and international levels.”

Burathanews.com

Widespread parliamentary discontent with the contents of the State Audit Bureau’s report

MP Riyadh Adai described the report issued by the head of the Federal Board of Supreme Audit regarding the Board’s work as “disappointing” on Wednesday, arguing that it failed to mention the true extent of wasted funds in state institutions.

Adai told the Information Agency, “The report lacked any indication of the actual amount of wasted funds and did not clearly name the officials or entities involved in cases of financial and administrative corruption.”

He added, “There are significant contentious issues in several ministries, including the Ministries of Defense, Transportation, and Trade, which are the backbone of providing for citizens’ basic needs.” He pointed out that “these ministries entered into contracts with several companies that resulted in the waste of substantial sums of money, in addition to the illegal disbursement of bonuses from insurance funds.”

It is worth noting that the Parliament reviewed the Federal Board of Supreme Audit’s 2025 report, which comprises approximately 7,000 pages, during a session in which the head of the Board, Ammar Subhi Khalaf, was present.

Almaalomah.me

Behind the scenes of the Washington visit: American messages via Baghdad to ease tensions with Iran

The spokesman for the Victory Coalition, Aqeel al-Rudaini, revealed on Wednesday important behind-the-scenes details and political leaks concerning the visit of al-Zaidi to Washington, D.C., confirming that he carried direct messages between the United States and Iran aimed at de-escalating regional tensions. Al-Rudaini told the Information Agency that “leaks from Washington indicate that al-Zaidi discussed with U.S. President Donald Trump the necessity of returning to the negotiating table and reaching a final and comprehensive agreement that secures navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, given its immense economic importance on both regional and international levels.”

He added that “information confirms that al-Zaidi carried messages and proposals from the U.S. administration to Tehran regarding the possibility of reactivating the joint memorandum of understanding previously signed by the two parties in Geneva.” He explained that “the coming period will witness Iraq playing a pivotal and positive role in bridging the gap between Washington and Tehran, given its balanced relations with both sides. Furthermore, these moves will positively impact the strengthening of joint economic and trade agreements between Baghdad and Tehran.” EconomicForecast Reports

Almaalomah.me

Parliamentary rights committee demands clarifications regarding oil agreements with Washington

The spokesperson for the Parliamentary Rights Bloc, Miqdad al-Khafaji, revealed on Wednesday that there is a move within the Iraqi Parliament to summon Prime Minister Ali Mohsen al-Ahmad al-Jaber al-Sabah to clarify the truth behind the reported grant of 500,000 barrels of oil to the United States, as well as the agreements concluded during his recent visit to Washington.
Al-Khafaji told the Information Agency that “Parliament intends to summon the Prime Minister to clarify the truth regarding the reported grant of 500,000 barrels of oil to the United States, in addition to reviewing the details of the signed agreements, their implementation mechanisms, and the resulting obligations.”
He added that “there are concerns that the quantities granted may exceed two million barrels in the future, which necessitates an official explanation before the legislative body and the public.”
Al-Khafaji questioned, “What benefit will Iraq gain from these agreements in exchange for giving away a portion of its oil wealth?” He emphasized that “national resources must be utilized in a way that serves the interests of the Iraqi people and preserves the country’s economic sovereignty.”
He indicated that “the House of Representatives will continue to exercise its oversight role in monitoring all economic agreements and files to ensure that national interests are not harmed and that Iraq’s rights and resources are preserved.” IraqPolitics Report

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