Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Faleh al-Zaidi arrived in Tehran on July 23 for an official visit to discuss bilateral cooperation, energy and regional developments with senior Iranian officials, according to the prime minister's media office.

Al-Zaidi was received by Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian at Saadabad Palace, where an official welcoming ceremony included the national anthems of both countries and an inspection of the honour guard.

Before departing Baghdad, the Iraqi premier said he would meet senior Iranian leaders to discuss issues of mutual interest, strengthen bilateral cooperation and consult on regional developments and efforts to promote security and stability. The visit also comes as Iran continues to get hit by more than 12 nights of strikes by the US military and navy on several key sites. Iraq is also expected to pass on messages from the US in the official's visit. 

He said Iraq and Iran share deep historical ties, a common border and broad economic interests, underscoring the need to continue cooperation based on dialogue and mutual respect to support sustainable development and regional stability.

Government spokesman Haider Al-Aboudi said the visit would focus on bilateral issues, particularly cooperation in the energy and agriculture sectors, as well as the latest regional developments.

The visit comes days after al-Zaidi concluded a five-day official trip to the United States, during which he held talks aimed at launching a comprehensive economic partnership, expanding investment opportunities, opening new crude oil export routes, and increasing Iraq's oil production and refining capacity.

Al-Zaidi is also expected to visit Turkey, Saudi Arabia and Syria in the coming days as part of a regional tour focused on strengthening bilateral ties, particularly in the energy sector, amid heightened regional tensions and continued disruptions to supply chains through the Strait of Hormuz following exchanges of military strikes between Washington and Tehran.