Al-Aboudi: Gas File Dominates Al-Zaidi's Tehran Visit; Syria Trip Undetermined

Government Spokesperson Haidar Al-Aboudi confirmed on Wednesday that the gas file will be a central topic during Prime Minister Ali Al-Zaidi's anticipated visit to Tehran tomorrow, while clarifying that his visit to Syria has not yet been scheduled. Al-Aboudi stated during a press conference that "Prime Minister Ali Al-Zaidi will undertake an official visit to Tehran on Thursday, accompanied by a high-level ministerial delegation. The visit aims to discuss bilateral relations and the ongoing regional escalation, in addition to a number of joint files." He pointed out that "the gas file will be strongly present during Al-Zaidi's visit to Tehran, given the sharp decline in gas supplies." He added that "the visiting delegation will also discuss trade, energy, agriculture, environment, and security files." The government spokesperson further stated that "the repercussions of the war have significantly impacted financial dues, including those of farmers," affirming that "the government is following these files with great attention." Regarding the issue of restricting weapons to the state, Al-Aboudi emphasized that "this file represents a purely Iraqi decision and there is no room for discussing it outside Baghdad." He noted that "Al-Zaidi's visit to Turkey is scheduled for the end of this month," explaining that "the Development Road project will receive utmost priority during the visit, followed by the water file." Al-Aboudi asserted that "Iraq adopts in all its official visits an initiative whose essence is that diplomatic solutions are the only option, and this includes the Prime Minister's visit to Tehran." He concluded by stating that "Al-Zaidi's visit to Syria has not yet been scheduled," affirming "Iraq's openness in its relations with all neighboring countries, including Syria."