Iran’s newly elected President, Masoud Pezeshkian, has begun a three-day visit to Iraq, marking his first foreign trip since taking office.
This significant visit aims to deepen the already strong ties between the two neighboring countries, both with Shiite-majority populations.
Pezeshkian’s trip comes at a critical time, as the Middle East faces turmoil due to the war in Gaza, which has drawn in Iran-backed armed groups across the region. The visit seeks to reinforce Iran’s influence in Iraq and mitigate the impact of US-led sanctions on its economy.
During his visit, Pezeshkian will meet with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani and visit the Shiite holy cities of Najaf and Karbala. He will also travel to the Kurdish regional capital, Arbil, for talks with Kurdish officials.
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The trip highlights Iran’s strategic importance in the region and its efforts to expand trade ties with Iraq, which has become one of its leading trade partners.
The two countries aim to increase non-oil trade, with Iran seeking to export more goods to Iraq and secure payments for its gas exports.
However, the visit also comes amid tensions with the US, which has imposed fresh sanctions on Iran for supplying Russia with missiles.
Iran has vowed to respond to these “hostile” moves, adding to the complex geopolitical landscape in the region.
As Pezeshkian seeks to strengthen ties with Iraq, he also faces challenges in navigating the country’s complex relationships with the US and other regional actors.
The outcome of this visit will be closely watched, as it has significant implications for the balance of power in the Middle East.
