Baghdad (IraqiNews.com) – Iraq has asked Iran to guarantee the safe passage of Iraqi oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz, as ongoing maritime disruptions threaten the country’s oil exports and place growing pressure on government finances. The request was reportedly made by Prime Minister Ali Al-Zaidi during his visit to Tehran on July 23, according to sources cited by the U.S.-funded outlet Alhurra. The visit marked Al-Zaidi’s first trip to Iran since taking office in May and came just days after his official visit to Washington, highlighting Baghdad’s efforts to balance relations with both regional and international partners amid escalating tensions in the Gulf.
According to the report, Al-Zaidi asked Iranian officials to ensure the safe passage of tankers transporting Iraqi crude through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most strategically important shipping lanes. However, the sources said Tehran did not provide a clear answer, leaving the request without either formal approval or rejection. Furthermore, the report suggested that Iran may be reluctant to respond positively because of Baghdad’s recent strengthening of ties with the United States.
That includes the signing of several major agreements with American companies during Al-Zaidi’s visit to Washington, a development that could complicate Iraq’s efforts to secure Iranian cooperation on regional security issues. Al-Zaidi’s visit to Tehran came only days after his July 13–18 trip to the United States, where he met President Donald Trump and announced a new strategic partnership between Baghdad and Washington. visit was the prime minister’s first major international tour since assuming office and focused on expanding economic and security cooperation.
During the Tehran visit, Al-Zaidi met Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, and both sides signed several agreements and memorandums of understanding. At the same time, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi delivered what many observers viewed as a carefully worded political message, stating that Iran “does not need messages or intermediaries because circumstances are changing rapidly.” Meanwhile, the Iraqi government rejected reports published by The New York Times claiming that Al-Zaidi had carried a U.S. proposal for a ceasefire to Tehran.
Officials insisted that the visit was instead aimed at strengthening bilateral relations …
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