Baghdad: Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf is set to begin a two-day visit to Iraq on Wednesday for discussions with senior Iraqi officials on a range of bilateral, regional, and international issues. According to Iranian media, this visit aims to enhance strategic cooperation between Tehran and Baghdad, focusing on regional developments and joint measures to promote stability and security in West Asia.

According to Anadolu Agency, Qalibaf's talks will cover strengthening bilateral relations, border security, counterterrorism efforts, expanding economic cooperation, and implementing existing agreements between the two countries. As Iran's top negotiator in talks with the United States, Qalibaf is expected to meet with several key Iraqi officials, including the parliament speaker, prime minister, president, head of the Supreme Judicial Council, and national security adviser.

Iran's ambassador to Baghdad, Mohammad Kazem Al-e Sadeq, informed the ISNA news agency that Qalibaf will also attend a ceremony in the central Iranian city of Karbala on Thursday. This event marks the 40th day since the death of Iran's former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. The ambassador emphasized that the visit was planned in advance following an official invitation from the Iraqi parliament speaker, and is not connected to recent developments involving Iran, Iraq, and the Kurdish Regional Government (KRG).

Despite the trip's pre-planned nature, the ambassador highlighted its significance given the current regional developments, suggesting that consultations between Tehran and Baghdad could enhance regional stability. Qalibaf's visit coincides with tensions following a recent drone attack targeting the residence and private office of Masrour Barzani, head of the KRG in northern Iraq. Tehran has denied involvement in the attack and condemned the incident, while Baghdad has requested an official clarification from Iran.