Iranian President Pezeshkian Visits Iraq to Strengthen Bilateral Relations

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian made his first foreign trip to Iraq, emphasizing the importance of strengthening ties amid rising regional tensions. The visit included meetings with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani and the signing of multiple agreements covering various fields. The discussions also addressed the Gaza war and other Middle Eastern conflicts.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian visited Iraq on Wednesday, marking his first foreign trip and underscoring the clerical establishment's push to bolster ties with a strategic ally of both Tehran and Washington amidst mounting regional tensions. The moderate newcomer, elected in July, initiated his three-day visit by meeting Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani. Tehran and Baghdad confirmed that the visit would see the signing of numerous agreements and discussions about the Gaza war and the general situation in the Middle East.

Pezeshkian's office issued a statement mentioning that the talks would focus on enhancing bilateral ties and addressing regional and international issues, including the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Iraq, home to U.S. troops and Iran-backed groups, has experienced increasing tit-for-tat attacks since the onset of the Israel-Hamas war. Strategic agreement between the countries covers areas like trade, sports, agriculture, cultural cooperation, and more, highlighted by the signing of 14 memoranda of understanding (MoUs).

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi highlighted various areas of mutual cooperation, including political, regional, and security issues. In a symbolic gesture, Pezeshkian visited a monument dedicated to Iranian Major-General Qassem Soleimani, killed by a U.S. drone in 2020. This backdrop of close calls to conflict and ongoing U.S. troop withdrawal plans emphasizes the area's volatility. Pezeshkian also plans to visit the contentious region of Iraqi Kurdistan, previously targeted by Iran over separatist concerns.

(With inputs from agencies.)