Iraqi prime minister to visit Iran Thursday for talks

BEIRUT — Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi will travel to Iran on Thursday at the head of a ministerial delegation to discuss gas cooperation and the latest regional developments, following an invitation from Iranian authorities, the Iraqi News Agency INA reported.

According to government spokesperson Haider al-Aboudi, the issue of the state's monopoly on arms will not be discussed in Tehran. He stressed that it is strictly an Iraqi matter and will only be addressed in Baghdad.

Al-Aboudi said gas cooperation will be on the agenda of the bilateral talks, alongside a diplomatic initiative aimed at addressing the ongoing regional developments.

He also noted that Iraq has signed agreements with the United States to establish alternative oil export routes to ensure the continuity of trade despite the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. "Iraq has regained its strength, is not part of any axis of conflict, rejects interference in the affairs of other countries, and is pursuing broader international engagement based on its economic interests," he said.

Last week, al-Zaidi traveled to Washington to meet U.S. President Donald Trump on his first official visit abroad since taking office in May.