Deputy PM Ahmad Chalabi is paying visit to Tehran ahead of his visit to Washington. He is likely to be seeking an Iranian help to stay in the race for the Iraqi Premiership after he fails to preserve his place on the list of the (Shiite) United Iraqi Alliance. Shiite sources quote him as affirming that he can mediate between Tehran and Washington. Pro-Iranian Iraqi independent sources say he told aides close to Iranian Supreme leader Ali Khamenei that he would follow a broader economic and oil cooperation with Iran if he accedes to the Premiership. According to these sources, the Iranians have avoided giving him any specific answer, preferring rather to discuss the matter with the Iraqi Shiite leaders first.
Iraq Information Report - November 9, 2005 - 6th Year, No 6/727
