Iraqi PM's Secret Tehran Visit, Facilitated by Trump, Aims to De-escalate US-Iran Tensions

Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Al Zaidi undertook a discreet trip to Tehran last Friday, a move revealed on Monday, as part of a regional effort to avert a resurgence of the US-Iran conflict. According to Iraq's ambassador to Tehran, Yasir Abdul Zahra Al Hajjaj, the mission's objective was to "reduce tension and prevent escalation," as reported by state media. A government official disclosed to The National that the visit was initiated at the request of US President Donald Trump, with the aim of "opening a channel for de-escalation and prevent a slide towards war." This diplomatic initiative is designed to "defuse the growing confrontation" between Iran and the US and to "shield Iraq from being drawn into a wider regional conflict," the official added, without offering further specifics. Fars News Agency reported on Monday that Mr. Al Zaidi's brief visit included a meeting with Iran's parliament speaker and chief negotiator, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf. An informed source told Fars that the discussions centered on Iraq's role in mediating the conflict between Iran and the US. The source also indicated that Mr. Ghalibaf expressed gratitude for Iraq's efforts and presented Iran's "two-day proposal," emphasizing that negotiations could only progress if the US acknowledged Iran's rights as outlined in the proposal. Baghdad has historically served as a mediator between Tehran and Washington, leveraging its strong relationships with both nations and its vested interest in preventing the repercussions of another war on its territory.