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As Iraqi PM balances ties with US, Iran and Arab states, Tehran weighs next move

Although Iran supports Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi, there are signs it has concerns about his rapprochement with the United States and the Arab world.
Iraq's Prime Minister Mustafa Kadhimi arrives to the southern city of Basra late on August 22, 2020, accompanied by security forces' commanders in a surprise visit. (Photo by Hussein FALEH / AFP) (Photo by HUSSEIN FALEH/AFP via Getty Images)

Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi traveled in June to Iran for his first trip outside of Iraq as the country's leader, and was well received, including statements of support from Iranian officials.

His next trip abroad was to the United States on Aug. 19, followed by Jordan on Aug. 25, where he met with King Abdullah II and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi to discuss economic cooperation and joint security efforts.

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