Iraq reportedly delivers US message to Iran during Tehran visit

Baghdad (IraqiNews.com) – According to sources cited by Saudi-owned Al Hadath television, an Iraqi delegation headed to Tehran for an eight-hour diplomatic trip to convey a message from the United States to Iranian leaders. The alleged visit coincides with rising tensions between Washington and Tehran, with Iraq increasingly aiming to position itself as a diplomatic middleman between the two nations. The allegation was carried by Iran International and other Iranian media sites, and it linked the delegation’s travel to a recent phone call between US President Donald Trump and Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi, as well as a visit to Baghdad by US Special Envoy Tom Barrack. However, neither Iraqi nor Iranian officials have officially acknowledged the claimed mission. The identity of the delegation members, the nature of the supposed American message, and Tehran’s reaction are unclear. The accusations come after a November 6 phone call between Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein and his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi, during which Hussein suggested forming a committee of regional foreign ministers to visit Washington and Tehran in an attempt to defuse tensions. Iraq’s diplomatic attempts take place amid a background of differences over Iran’s nuclear program, security in the Strait of Hormuz, and the actions of Iran-aligned armed organizations in Iraq. Baghdad has tight political and economic ties with Tehran while simultaneously working with Washington on security issues, putting Iraq in a potentially advantageous position to facilitate indirect contact between the two administrations.