Is Baghdad poised to steal the spotlight from Doha and Islamabad to lead the mediation efforts between Tehran and Washington?
Is Baghdad poised to steal the spotlight from Doha and Islamabad to lead the mediation efforts between Tehran and Washington?
7-20-2026
Information / Special..
Political analyst Dr. Majashaa Al-Tamimi confirmed today, Monday, that the anticipated regional tour of Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Al-Zaidi to Tehran and Ankara, which comes a few days after his visit to Washington and his meeting with US President Donald Trump, carries advanced strategic dimensions that go beyond traditional protocol norms.
Al-Tamimi told Al-Maalouma that “the timing of Al-Zaidi’s visit to Tehran following his meeting with Trump opens the door to the possibility of direct official mediation between Washington and Tehran, with the likelihood that Baghdad is carrying unannounced messages related to securing navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and preventing the confrontation from escalating.”
He added that “Iraq’s success in playing this role will represent a qualitative diplomatic gain that will enhance its regional positioning, although this remains within the framework of political readings that await official confirmations, and it is too early to be certain of it.”
Al-Tamimi explained that “Al-Zaidi seeks, during his visit to Tehran, to create a balance in Iraq’s foreign relations, especially since the relations between Baghdad and Tehran differ from others due to the long-standing historical, religious, and social roots between the two countries,” noting that “Al-Zaidi will renew Iraq’s commitment to the policy of geopolitical balance within the framework of implementing the government program aimed at strengthening Iraq’s relations with neighboring countries and regional and international partners.”
Regarding the Ankara meeting, Al-Tamimi explained that “the talks will focus on contentious issues, primarily border security and the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) file, as well as resuming oil exports from the Kurdistan Region through the Ceyhan port, in addition to the shared water crisis and expanding economic cooperation within the framework of the Strategic Development Road project, thus solidifying Iraq’s position as a pivotal regional partner, not an arena for conflict.”
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