Iran’s newly appointed president, Masoud Pezeshkian, has taken a decisive step in bolstering relations with Iraq, signing over a dozen agreements during his initial official trip abroad. This visit, which took place on September 11th, signifies a significant strengthening of ties between the neighboring nations.
The agreements, which were reached during Pezeshkian’s visit to Iraq, cover a broad range of areas and aim to enhance cooperation between the two countries. During a joint press conference with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, Pezeshkian emphasized the significance of these agreements, stating, “Fourteen cooperation memorandums were signed between Iran and Iraq, which is the starting point of the expansion of cooperation.” He further stressed the importance of unity between the two nations, adding, “If we are together, we will avoid falling into the fire.”
Pezeshkian also revealed that he had discussed “strategic and long-term plans” with his Iraqi counterpart, which are intended to foster greater collaboration between the two countries. These plans highlight the growing relationship between Iran and Iraq, both predominantly Shiite nations, which have drawn closer since the 2003 US-led invasion of Iraq that ousted Saddam Hussein.
In recent years, Iran has emerged as a key trading partner for Iraq, with non-oil trade between the two countries reaching nearly $5 billion from March 2024, according to Iranian media. Iran also supplies Iraq with millions of cubic meters of natural gas daily to power its electricity plants. These gas exports continue under a waiver from US sanctions, which has been regularly renewed.
Pezeshkian, who assumed office following the death of his predecessor, Ebrahim Raisi, in a helicopter crash, has made strengthening regional relations a cornerstone of his foreign policy. He believes that strong ties with neighboring countries can help mitigate the impact of Western sanctions on Iran’s economy. These sanctions, imposed since the US withdrew from the 2015 nuclear agreement under then-President Donald Trump, have significantly hampered Iran’s economic growth.
Pezeshkian’s visit to Iraq is anticipated to further solidify Iran’s influence in Baghdad, where its allies hold prominent positions in the government and parliament. This strategic move demonstrates Iran’s commitment to strengthening its regional presence and bolstering its diplomatic efforts in the face of ongoing economic challenges.
