Iraq: Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has arrived in Iraq for his first official state visit, marking a significant moment in his presidency as he points to strengthening bilateral relations with a key neighbour amid escalating Western sanctions. Elected in July, Pezeshkian is regarded as a modest figure within Iran’s political landscape.
Upon their arrival in Baghdad, President Pezeshkian was received by Iraqi Prime Minister Mohamed Shia al-Sudani. The visit plans to sign a series of agreements in account of discussions surrounding the ongoing Gaza conflict, Iran’s growing involvement with regional armed groups, and the broader political landscape in the Middle East.
Strengthening ties and expanding trade
One of the Pezeshkian visit’s key goals is to enhance trade relations between Iran and Iraq. Despite the weight of US-led sanctions, trade between the two countries has been strong, with non-oil trade surpassing $5 billion in the past five months. Iranian exports, including gas to Iraq’s power plants, are vital to both countries’ economies. As Iraqi political expert Ali al-Baidar notes, Iran sees Iraq as a critical market for its goods and a crucial partner for energy imports.
Iran and Iraq are also expected to summarise about 15 new agreements in sectors such as trade, agriculture, and communications. These accords are part of a broader effort by Iran to strengthen regional alliances in order to alleviate the pressure of international sanctions. Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, confirmed that these deals would include security and political presentation.
Regional tensions and security concerns
The visit is also revealed for its focus on regional security. Pezeshkian paid homage to a memorial for Qassem Soleimani, the former commander of Iran’s elite Quds Force, who was killed in a US drone strike in Baghdad in 2020. His death has continued to resonate deeply within Iran’s leadership and its regional allies.
The Gaza conflict, which has drawn in Iran-backed armed groups, is expected to dominate discussions between Pezeshkian and Iraqi officials. Iraq’s relations with the United States, which still maintains a military presence in the country, have become increasingly strained due to the involvement of these groups.
Kurdish relations and security agreements
Pezeshkian’s visit will also take him to Erbil, the capital of Iraq’s Kurdish region, where he will meet with Kurdish leaders. The discussions are expected to build on a security agreement signed last year between Iraq and Iran, under which Kurdish rebel groups in northern Iraq were disarmed. The agreement aimed to reduce tensions along the border and prevent further Iranian military strikes in the region.
Impact of western sanctions
The visit comes at a time when Iran faces growing pressure from Western sanctions. The US and several European nations have recently imposed new restrictions, accusing Tehran of supplying missiles to Russia for use in Ukraine. These sanctions have compounded the concerns facing Iran’s already strained economy.
Despite these difficulties, Iran’s leadership has highlighted the impact of its ties with Iraq, both as a regional ally and a crucial economic partner. Pezeshkian’s visit underscores Tehran’s determination to strengthen its position in the face of international pressure, particularly through regional diplomacy and trade expansion.
President Pezeshkian’s visit to Iraq marks a pivotal moment in his young presidency, as he looks forward to navigating the complexities of regional politics and the ongoing impact of Western sanctions. With agreements poised to deepen economic and security cooperation, the visit reflects Iran’s broader strategy of fortifying alliances with its neighbours in the face of mounting international challenges.
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