Prime Minister to Visit Iran, Turkey This Month for Baghdad Mediation Efforts

Prime Minister Ali Al-Zaidi is scheduled for visits to Iran on July 23rd and Turkey on July 28th, following a prior US tour. These trips highlight Baghdad's readiness to mediate between Tehran and Washington. Foreign Minister Fouad Hussein clarified Iraq will present its vision for ending the war during the Prime Minister's Iran visit. He stressed any discussion on initiatives, especially economic ones, first requires ending the current escalation. Hussein affirmed, "all matters can be discussed if the war concludes." The Foreign Minister added, "Baghdad is prepared to mediate between Tehran and Washington, particularly on economic files, as priority is to halt hostilities and create conditions for dialogue." He noted the Prime Minister's tour might also include a potential visit to Saudi Arabia. Hussein explained Iraq previously bridged viewpoints between Tehran and Washington. He clarified Baghdad carries no specific US message to Iran but can convey views heard in Washington, alongside its own stance. He pointed out the Prime Minister, during his recent US visit, raised issues related to the ongoing conflict, affirming Iraq's readiness "to mediate between the two parties, especially economically." He further indicated "the war has inflicted direct and severe damage upon Iraq," explaining the country faces difficulty exporting oil through the Strait of Hormuz, described as "the sole passage" for oil exports. Meanwhile, Kurdistan pipeline exports to Turkey do not exceed 200,000 barrels daily. The Foreign Minister emphasized resolution lies in resuming dialogue and ending the war. Regarding internal affairs, the Foreign Minister stated the armed factions issue is internal, linked to the Iraqi constitution, which prohibits weaponry outside state control. He affirmed peace and war decisions must remain exclusively with the government. He added three factions have surrendered weapons to the armed forces, while discussions continue with four others, two of which announced intent to surrender arms after the US withdrawal in September. Hussein asserted Iraq cannot build its economy or attract major investments without providing a safe, stable environment internally and regionally. He said: "The Iraqi government, led by the Prime Minister, attaches paramount importance to this issue, as the economy cannot be rebuilt, investments attracted, or the economy revitalized without security. We need stable internal and regional security." Concerning Syria, Hussein concluded Baghdad has elevated relations with the new Syrian government.