Wed Sep 11 09:24:30 UTC 2024: ## Iranian President Begins First Foreign Trip to Iraq Amid Regional Turmoil
**Baghdad, Iraq:** Iran’s newly-elected President Masoud Pezeshkian commenced a three-day visit to Iraq on Wednesday, aiming to solidify already close ties between the two neighboring countries. This is his first trip abroad since assuming office in July.
Pezeshkian’s visit comes amidst escalating tensions in the Middle East sparked by the ongoing war in Gaza. The conflict has drawn in Iran-backed armed groups in the region, further complicating Iraq’s relationship with the United States.
The Iranian president has pledged to prioritize relations with neighboring countries as a means to alleviate Iran’s international isolation and mitigate the impact of US-led sanctions on its economy. However, his visit comes just hours after Western powers announced fresh sanctions on Iran for supplying Russia with short-range missiles for use in Ukraine. Iran has condemned the sanctions and warned of retaliation.
Security concerns are also heightened as an explosion rocked a US-led coalition base at Baghdad airport hours before Pezeshkian’s arrival. The Iranian-backed Hezbollah Brigades in Iraq claimed responsibility for the attack, citing its aim to disrupt the Iranian president’s visit.
Despite the volatile regional context, both countries have emphasized the strong historical and cultural bond between them. Pezeshkian, prior to his departure, highlighted the importance of Iraq as a key neighbor and a vital destination for his first foreign trip.
Economic ties between Iran and Iraq have blossomed since the US-led invasion in 2003. Iran has become a leading trade partner for Iraq, supplying vital energy resources and participating in significant commercial exchanges. Notably, Iran exports millions of cubic meters of gas to Iraq daily, covering a substantial portion of the country’s electricity needs.
Pezeshkian’s visit is expected to focus on strengthening economic ties and fostering further cooperation, particularly in trade and energy sectors. Experts believe that Iran aims to utilize the Iraqi market for its exports and secure energy imports from Iraq.
The Iranian president’s trip also encompasses a visit to the Kurdish regional capital Arbil for talks with Kurdish officials. This visit comes after Tehran and Baghdad signed a security agreement in March 2023, aiming to disarm and remove Iranian Kurdish rebel groups from border areas.
As the US-led coalition prepares to withdraw from Iraq by 2025, Pezeshkian’s visit holds significant geopolitical implications. The Iranian president’s engagement with Iraq underscores Iran’s active role in regional affairs and its continued influence within the country.
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