President Masoud Pezeshkian of Iran made his first state trip abroad to Iraq to enhance ties as Western sanctions on Iran tighten. He met with Iraqi Prime Minister Shia al-Sudani and plans to sign agreements and discuss the Gaza war and the Middle East situation. Pezeshkian also visited a monument to Qassem Soleimani, the former head of Iran’s elite Quds Force. The President aims to discuss expanding trade ties with Iraq, as Iran relies on the Iraqi market for exports and energy imports. High on the agenda is also Iran’s influence in Iraq and measures to counter US-led sanctions.
During the visit, Iran and Iraq expect to sign multiple agreements on trade, agriculture, and communications. The accords aim to bolster Iran’s relations with neighboring countries to mitigate the impact of sanctions on its economy. Iran is a key trade partner for Iraq, with significant economic interdependence between the two nations. The US still maintains troops in Iraq as part of the international coalition against ISIS, which adds complexity to Iraq’s relations with Iran and the US.
Iran faces escalating sanctions from the US and European countries over allegations of supplying Russia with missiles for use against Ukraine. Pezeshkian’s visit to Iraq highlights Iran’s efforts to navigate through challenging geopolitics and strengthen regional ties. The trip also coincides with an explosion at a US-led coalition base in Iraq, underscoring the volatile security situation in the region. Amidst these challenges, Pezeshkian aims to solidify Iran’s position in the Middle East and enhance cooperation with key regional partners.
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