An influential pro-Iranian Iraqi politician has offered to mediate between Iran and the United States in a meeting with Joey Hood, Chargé d'affaires of the U.S. Mission in Iraq.

Ammar al-Hakim in Baghdad met with Hood on May 19, Iran’s government news agency IRNA reported on Monday.

The two discussed current tensions between the United States and Iran, with Hakim saying that the current situation has worried countries in the region.

Hakim also welcomed signs from the two sides indicating their readiness to reduce tensions.

He reiterated that Iraq has close ties with both the U.S. and Iran and can play the role of a mediator to try to bridge the gap in the conflicting positions of Tehran and Washington.

IRNA makes no reference to Hood’s response during the meeting in its news report and it is not clear who asked for the meeting.

Hakim who comes from the most influential Iraqi Shiite clerical family was educated in the University of Qom, the theological center of Iran’s clerics.