Iraq Gulf Visits are expected this week, as Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi prepares to travel to Bahrain and Kuwait for regional discussions. The planned meetings will address maritime disputes, security cooperation and concerns involving Bahrain’s Shiite community. An informed source familiar with the arrangements outlined the proposed agenda.
During his visit to Kuwait, al-Zaidi will discuss several unresolved issues between Baghdad and Kuwait City. Maritime boundary demarcation will feature prominently, alongside concerns about the Mubarak al-Kabeer Port project. Iraqi officials have questioned the project’s potential impact on the country’s Grand Faw Port.
The two sides will also examine ways to strengthen security cooperation. Furthermore, their discussions will cover regional stability and efforts to prevent further tensions. Both countries continue to address outstanding bilateral matters and shared regional concerns.
In Bahrain, al-Zaidi plans to raise concerns about the treatment of the country’s Shiite community. According to the source, discussions may address allegations of persecution and arbitrary death sentences. The Iraqi prime minister will also emphasize de-escalation and broader regional security.
The planned meetings reflect Baghdad’s interest in maintaining dialogue with neighbouring countries. Moreover, both visits could create opportunities to address sensitive issues through diplomatic channels. However, the source did not specify the dates or duration of either visit.
Before finalising the travel plans, al-Zaidi reportedly consulted leaders of Iraq’s Shiite Coordination Framework. They discussed the proposed visits and their respective agendas. This consultation highlights the political importance of the discussions, particularly those concerning Bahrain’s Shiite community.
The anticipated trips follow several regional visits by the Iraqi prime minister in recent months. On July 28, he travelled to Türkiye and met President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Later, on October 14, he visited Saudi Arabia and held discussions with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
Al-Zaidi continued his regional diplomatic schedule with a visit to Jordan on October 26. There, he met King Abdullah II to discuss bilateral relations and regional developments. Two days later, he travelled to Damascus for talks with transitional President Ahmed al-Sharaa.
During the Damascus meeting, both leaders discussed relations between Baghdad and Damascus. They also addressed political, economic and security cooperation. Together, these engagements demonstrate the Iraqi government’s ongoing diplomatic outreach across the region.
The upcoming Iraq Gulf Visits will extend that outreach to two neighbouring Gulf states. Through discussions on maritime questions, security coordination and community-related concerns, Baghdad aims to maintain regional dialogue. The meetings will also give both sides an opportunity to review outstanding bilateral issues.
