Iraqi Prime Minister: I Will Visit Iran, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia After Washington

Al-Zaidi's Diplomatic Roadmap After the White House

In his latest remarks reported by the Iraqi News Agency (INA), the new Iraqi Prime Minister, Ali Falih al-Zaidi, revealed his government's foreign policy priorities. Al-Zaidi emphasized that although he has received numerous invitations from European countries such as France, Britain, and Germany, Baghdad's main priority after the official visit to Washington is to strengthen relations with key neighbors: Turkey, Iran, and Saudi Arabia [1].

This announcement comes as al-Zaidi, who came to power as a technocrat and businessman in April 2026, attempts to strike a delicate balance between the interests of the United States and regional powers. In an interview with Asharq Al-Awsat newspaper, he noted that Iraq will not allow its territory to be used for attacks against any neighboring countries [1].

Power Balance in the Region; From Ankara to Tehran and Riyadh

Al-Zaidi's planned visit to Washington, scheduled for the second half of July, marks his first official foreign trip since assuming the premiership [2]. However, immediately after this trip, he will head to Tehran, Ankara, and Riyadh to reassure regional partners that proximity to Washington does not mean ignoring historical and geographical ties with neighbors.

In this regard, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi met with al-Zaidi in Baghdad yesterday. During the meeting, the Iraqi Prime Minister emphasized his new government's commitment to developing relations with the Islamic Republic of Iran in all fields [3]. Analysts believe that al-Zaidi intends to revive Iraq's role as a "bridge" in the Middle East, especially as the region remains affected by the consequences of recent tensions between Iran and Israel [4].

Economic Goals and Security Challenges

The main axis of al-Zaidi's travels, beyond diplomatic protocols, rests on two pillars: "economy" and "security." During his visit to Washington, he will be accompanied by a large delegation of Iraqi businessmen and investors to explore investment opportunities in the energy and infrastructure sectors [2]. The same approach will be followed regarding Turkey and Saudi Arabia, where Baghdad seeks to attract capital for development projects and strengthen trade routes.

In the security sphere, the al-Zaidi government faces the major challenge of disarming non-governmental armed groups. Haider al-Aboudi, the Iraqi government spokesperson, stated that the monopoly of weapons in the hands of the state is one of al-Zaidi's top priorities, and this issue is being seriously pursued in negotiations with American and regional officials [2][4]. Success in this regional tour could solidify al-Zaidi's position as a leader capable of securing domestic stability and external balance.