Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian has embarked on his first foreign trip to neighboring Iraq. This three-day visit, commencing on September 11, 2024, underscores Iran’s commitment to strengthen ties with its regional allies in the face of mounting Western sanctions. As Pezeshkian sets foot in Baghdad, both nations are poised to explore new avenues of cooperation, ranging from trade and agriculture to security and politics. This visit comes at a crucial juncture, highlighting Iran’s strategic efforts to bolster its regional relationships and mitigate the impact of international economic pressure.

Economic Cooperation: A Key Focus

At the heart of Pezeshkian’s visit lies a strong emphasis on economic collaboration. Iran and Iraq are set to sign approximately 15 new memorandums of understanding, covering various sectors:

– Trade: Iran is already one of Iraq’s leading trade partners, with non-oil trade exceeding $5 billion in the past five months alone. The visit aims to further expand these commercial ties.
– Energy: Iran continues to export millions of cubic meters of gas daily to Iraq, fueling its power plants under a regularly renewed waiver from US sanctions.
– Agriculture and Communications: New agreements in these sectors are expected to diversify the economic relationship between the two countries.

This push for increased economic cooperation is part of Iran’s broader strategy to shore up ties with neighboring countries, creating a buffer against the impact of US-led sanctions on its economy. For Iraq, these agreements represent an opportunity to strengthen its economic foundations and reduce dependence on other regional powers.

Strengthen Ties: Regional Security and Diplomacy

President Pezeshkian’s agenda extends beyond economic matters, delving into critical regional security issues:

– Gaza War: Discussions on the ongoing conflict in Gaza and its implications for regional stability are high on the agenda.
– Kurdish Issue: Pezeshkian is scheduled to visit Erbil, the capital of Iraq’s Kurdish region, following a security agreement signed between Tehran and Baghdad in March 2023. This agreement addresses the disarmament and relocation of Iranian Kurdish rebel groups from border areas.
– US Presence in Iraq: The visit occurs against the backdrop of continued US military presence in Iraq, with about 2,500 soldiers stationed as part of an international coalition against ISIL (ISIS). This delicate balance highlights Iraq’s complex position between Iran and the United States.

The timing of the visit is particularly significant, given recent allegations by the US and European countries that Iran has supplied Russia with short-range missiles for use in Ukraine. These accusations have led to new sanctions against Iran, further complicating its international relations.

Domestic and International Implications

Pezeshkian’s visit to Iraq carries substantial implications both domestically and on the international stage:

– Domestic Politics: As a relative moderate elected in July, Pezeshkian’s approach to foreign policy is being closely watched. His appointment of Mohammad Javad Zarif, the diplomat who negotiated the 2015 nuclear deal, as vice president for strategic affairs signals a potential shift towards a more open Iran.
– International Sanctions: The visit is a clear attempt to navigate the challenging landscape of international sanctions. By strengthening regional ties, Iran aims to create economic lifelines that can help absorb the impact of these punitive measures.
– Regional Influence: Iran’s political influence in Baghdad, where its Iraqi allies dominate parliament and the current government, remains strong. This visit serves to reinforce these ties and potentially expand Iran’s regional clout.

Efforts to Strengthen Ties Amid Challenges

As President Pezeshkian works to strengthen ties with Iraq, both countries face a complex set of challenges:

– Security Concerns: Hours before Pezeshkian’s arrival, an explosion rocked a base at an airport used by the US-led coalition in Iraq. This incident underscores the volatile security situation and the delicate balance Iraq must maintain between its relationships with Iran and the United States.
– Economic Pressures: While trade between Iran and Iraq remains robust, both countries face economic challenges. Iraq’s dependence on Iranian energy imports and Iran’s need for the Iraqi market as an outlet for its exports highlight the interdependence of their economies.
– International Scrutiny: The visit takes place under the watchful eyes of the international community, particularly Western powers concerned about Iran’s regional activities and nuclear program.

Despite these challenges, the visit represents a significant opportunity for both nations to reaffirm their commitment to bilateral cooperation and regional stability.

President Pezeshkian’s visit to Iraq marks a crucial step in Iran’s efforts to strengthen ties with its neighbors and navigate the challenging terrain of international sanctions. By focusing on economic cooperation, addressing regional security concerns, and reinforcing diplomatic relations, Iran seeks to bolster its position in the Middle East. As the visit unfolds, the international community will be watching closely to see how these renewed ties between Iran and Iraq might reshape the geopolitical landscape of the region. The success of this diplomatic mission could have far-reaching implications, not only for the two countries involved but for the broader stability and economic prosperity of the Middle East. As Iran continues to face pressure from Western sanctions, its ability to strengthen ties with regional allies like Iraq may prove crucial in determining its path forward on the global stage.