Iraqi PM visits US as Baghdad urges de-escalation in maritime tensions

Iraqi Prime Minister Falah al-Zaydi has begun his first foreign visit since taking office, traveling to Washington, while the Foreign Ministry called for restraint at sea.

• PM Falah al-Zaydi arrived in Washington on Monday at the head of a government and economic delegation, at the invitation of US President Donald Trump.
• Al-Zaydi wrote on X that the visit aims to attract investments, transfer expertise, diversify the economy, and solidify Iraq's role as a reliable regional partner.
• Iraq's Foreign Ministry expressed concern over ongoing tensions affecting maritime navigation and called for adherence to international law and respect for state sovereignty.
• The ministry urged all parties to adopt dialogue and diplomatic means to reduce escalation and maintain regional security.