Iranian supreme leader's adviser condemns Iraqi PM’s US visit

A senior adviser to Iran's Supreme Leader has strongly criticised Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi over his recent visit to the United States, describing the trip as damaging to Iraq's national interests and regional standing.

Ali Akbar Velayati said the Iraqi leader's visit was a "tragic, inappropriate, and destructive journey" that undermined Iraq's interests and historical legacy, Iranian media reports.

Velayati also described the prime minister as "young and inexperienced," claiming his actions amounted to "an unprecedented blow to the dignity of the Iraqi people."

The Iranian official said the visit had drawn criticism across the Muslim world because it took place shortly after the funeral of Iran's former Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei.

Questioning the purpose of the trip, Velayati said he was puzzled by al-Zaidi's decision to travel to Washington and suggested the Iraqi prime minister had not consulted with Iraq's leading religious and political figures before making the visit.

By Sabina Mammadli