Iran’s President Pezeshkian embarks on inaugural foreign visit to Iraq | Trade War Update

Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian has embarked on his first state trip abroad to Iraq in an effort to strengthen ties between the two countries amidst increasing Western sanctions. During his three-day visit, Pezeshkian met with Iraqi Prime Minister Shia al-Sudani and is set to sign agreements and discuss the Gaza conflict and overall Middle East situation.
One of the main priorities for Pezeshkian is to address Israel’s war on Gaza, which has involved Iran-backed armed groups in the region, impacting relations between Iraq and the US. Expanding trade ties is also a key focus, as Iran relies on the Iraqi market for exports and energy imports.
Pezeshkian will also travel to Erbil to speak with Kurdish officials, following a security agreement signed between Iran and Iraq in 2020. The two countries plan to sign agreements on trade, agriculture, and communications to mitigate the impact of US-led sanctions on Iran’s economy.
Despite Iran’s economic and political influence in Iraq, the country also maintains close ties with the US, which was evident with an explosion at a base used by the US-led coalition just before Pezeshkian’s arrival. The attack was believed to be aimed at disrupting the Iranian president’s visit.
Pezeshkian’s trip comes at a time when Iran is facing new sanctions from the US and European countries for allegedly supplying Russia with short-range missiles for use against Ukraine. The president’s appointment of Mohammad Javad Zarif, the top diplomat who negotiated the 2015 nuclear deal, as vice president for strategic affairs signals a shift towards a more open Iran.

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