Baghdad reportedly seeks to expand mediation role amid heightened regional tensions
BAGHDAD: Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi is expected to visit Tehran later this week carrying a proposal for Iraq to host direct or indirect talks between the United States and Iran, according to a report by The Arab Weekly cited by The Cradle.
According to the report, the proposal was discussed during Zaidi’s recent meeting with US President Donald Trump and is intended to help prevent the latest tensions between Washington and Tehran from escalating into a broader regional conflict.
The report said Iraqi officials believe Baghdad’s relations with both the United States and Iran position the country to facilitate communication at a time when direct engagement between the two sides remains difficult.
However, neither the Iraqi government, Iranian authorities nor US officials had publicly confirmed the reported initiative at the time of publication.
Regional diplomacy remains a priority
The reported diplomatic effort follows Zaidi’s recent visit to Washington, where discussions reportedly covered trade, investment, Iraq’s energy sector and expanding export opportunities for Iraqi crude oil.
According to the report, Iraq is seeking to deepen economic cooperation with the United States while maintaining strategic relations with neighbouring Iran, reflecting Baghdad’s effort to balance ties with both countries.
Following his reported visit to Tehran, Zaidi is also expected to travel to Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Syria as part of a broader regional diplomatic tour aimed at strengthening Iraq’s role in regional affairs.
Challenges remain for potential mediation
Analysts have noted that Iraq previously hosted Saudi-Iran negotiations beginning in 2021, helping facilitate the eventual restoration of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
However, mediating between Washington and Tehran would likely prove more complex because of longstanding disputes over Iran’s nuclear programme, economic sanctions, regional security, military deployments and maritime issues.
According to the report, Iraqi officials believe that reopening even limited communication channels between the United States and Iran could reinforce Iraq’s image as a constructive regional mediator. Nevertheless, no official timetable for talks has been announced, and the reported proposal remains unconfirmed by the governments involved.
Zaidi to visit Tehran with Iraqi proposal to host US–Iran talks
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The Arab Weekly, citing informed sources, reported on 20 July that Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi is expected to visit Tehran later this week carrying a proposal for Baghdad to host direct or indirect talks… pic.twitter.com/NvrAsgNhK7— The Cradle (@TheCradleMedia) July 20, 2026
