Iraqi PM arrives in Iran after Saudi visit

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Iraq’s prime minister arrived in Tehran on Sunday from Jeddah, continuing his efforts to mediate between regional foes Iran and Saudi Arabia. 

Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi received Mustafa al-Kadhimi at Saadabad Palace in the capital, Iranian state media reported. The prime minister is also expected to meet with other Iranian officials. 

The two leaders are set to reveal the topics discussed during a press conference following their meeting. 

During the presser, PM Kadhimi said they had agreed to strengthen ties between Iraq and Iran, as well as boosting joint cooperation between the two countries. 

Raisi stated that Kadhimi's visit to Tehran represented a "turning point" in the relations between Iraq and Iran. 

Describing the ties between the two, Raisi said the "relationship with Iraq is not an ordinary one, but rather a deep one ... that stems from culture and belief." 

Kadhimi arrived in Iran from the Saudi city of Jeddah where he met with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Saturday.

The premier also met with Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, state media reported on Sunday evening. 

Baghdad has played a crucial role as mediator between Tehran and Riyadh with the fifth round of talks aimed at defusing regional tension taking place in April. Kadhimi’s trips to both countries are likely aimed at reviving the talks. 

The visit to Iran comes at a time of increasing rocket and drone attacks targeting Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, all widely suspected to have been carried out by Iran-backed factions. It is unclear whether domestic security is also on the agenda. 

The attempt to revive talks between Saudi Arabia and Iran also coincides with an announcement by the European Union’s (EU) top diplomat Josep Borrell on Saturday, stating that nuclear talks will resume “in the coming days.”