Iraqi ex-prime minister Mustafa Al-Kadhimi (2020-22)—a key proponent and prior host of talks between Iran and Saudi Arabia—is seemingly under fire at home, where several of his close associates face arrest warrants and asset freezes. This follows an unannounced visit to Tehran by the former premier.

Appearing in the Iranian capital on Feb. 21, Kadhimi met with a series of high-ranking officials including President Ebrahim Raisi, Supreme National Security Council (SNSC) Secretary Ali Shamkhani and Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian.

Pitching dialogue with Iran?

Informed sources in Tehran have told Amwaj.media that Kadhimi’s visit involved an apparent effort to help jumpstart the stalled dialogue between Iran and Saudi Arabia. The former prime minister hosted five rounds of talks between Iranian and Saudi delegations in Baghdad before stepping down in Oct. 2022.

After cutting ties with Tehran in Jan. 2016 over the storming of its diplomatic facilities in Iran—sparked by the execution of a dissident Saudi Shiite cleric—the Kingdom in 2021 agreed to re-engage with the Islamic Republic. The five sessions held so far have...