Iraqi PM secretly visits Tehran 'at Trump's request' in bid to ease tension

Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Al Zaidi made an unannounced trip to Tehran last Friday, according to recently disclosed information. The purpose of his visit, which came at the request of US President Donald Trump, was to ease the tension between Iran and the United States and prevent the conflict from escalating, according to a government source. The trip took place as part of a diplomatic effort to prevent the region from being drawn into a broader conflict.

During his brief visit, Al Zaidi met with Iran's parliament speaker and chief negotiator, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, as reported by Fars News Agency. The meeting reportedly focused solely on Iraq's efforts to help resolve the conflict between Iran and the US. Ghalibaf subsequently expressed gratitude to Iraq for its efforts and outlined Iran's two-day proposal, emphasizing that progress in negotiations would only be possible if the US respected Iran's rights under the proposal.

Iraq has frequently acted as a mediator between Tehran and Washington, leveraging its strong ties with both nations and its own desire to avoid the consequences of another war in the region.