Iran’s parliament speaker Ghalibaf to visit Iraq for talks

Iran's parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf is set to visit Iraq on Wednesday for high-level talks. The delegation will focus on discussing regional developments and strengthening strategic cooperation between Tehran and Baghdad. According to Iran's Fars news agency, the visit aims to explore joint solutions for promoting stability and security in the Middle East.

The trip comes as Iraq faces mounting pressure from Washington to disarm powerful Iran-backed armed factions. These factions have amassed significant political and financial influence in the country. Baghdad has given pro-Iran armed groups until September 30 to disarm, aligning with the expiration of the US-led anti-jihadist coalition's mission in Iraq.

Ghalibaf's visit follows a drone attack on the office of Iraq's autonomous Kurdistan region's prime minister. Kurdish authorities initially suspected Tehran of involvement, but Iran denied any responsibility, claiming the incident was an attempt to strain bilateral relations. Tehran's ambassador to Baghdad, Mohammad Kazem al-Sadeq, told Iran's ISNA news agency that Ghalibaf's trip was pre-planned and will last for two days.