Iraqi PM visits Iran to discuss US Iraq pact

Iraq's prime minister is visiting Iran where the newly implemented security deal between the United States and Baghdad is expected to top his agenda.

Iraq's prime minister is visiting Iran where the newly implemented security deal between the United States and Baghdad is expected to top his agenda.

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Iranian state television showed Nouri al-Maliki receiving a red carpet welcome after he arrived at Tehran's Mehrabad International Airport on Saturday afternoon.

The visit is al-Maliki's fourth to Iran since he was elected prime minister.

Initially, Iran bitterly opposed the Iraq US deal, which went into effect on Thursday, fearing it will pave the way to a long term US presence on its Western border. But Tehran has softened its position on the pact in recent weeks.

The agreement allows US troops to stay in Iraq until the end of 2011.