Mosul, Iraq, is expanding its visa-free policy to include citizens of Iran and Lebanon, aiming to enhance diplomatic relations, foster economic and cultural exchanges, and boost tourism. This move reflects Iraq’s strategic interests and commitment to regional cooperation, further solidifying its position as a key destination for religious and cultural tourism.
Iran’s influence in Iraq is expanding rapidly, marked by the recent opening of offices by Iranian-backed groups Hamas and Houthis in Baghdad. This development reflects Iran’s efforts to consolidate its regional power and counter US and Israeli influence. While Iraq struggles to balance its relations with both Iran and the US, Iran’s deep-rooted presence and strategic alliances have shifted the country’s political landscape.
Iran’s new president, Masoud Pezeshkian, signed over a dozen agreements with Iraq during his first official foreign trip, marking a significant step in strengthening ties between the neighboring nations. The agreements focus on expanding cooperation in various sectors and aim to solidify Iran’s influence in Iraq.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian’s visit to Iraq aimed to solidify ties between the two nations, marked by shared condemnation of the Israel-Hamas conflict and a desire for regional stability. Pezeshkian’s trip comes amidst rising tensions in the Middle East and heightened US-Iran tensions, emphasizing the importance of bilateral relations for both countries.
Iran’s newly elected president, Masoud Pezeshkian, embarked on his first foreign visit to neighboring Iraq, aiming to strengthen already close ties between the two nations. This trip comes amidst heightened tensions in the Middle East due to the Gaza conflict and the ongoing war in Ukraine, as well as the impact of US-led sanctions on Iran’s economy. Pezeshkian’s visit highlights the strategic importance of Iran-Iraq relations, particularly in trade and energy, and signals a potential shift in Iran’s foreign policy under his leadership.
An explosion rocked Baghdad International Airport late Tuesday, targeting a site used by the U.S. military, just hours before Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian was expected to arrive for his first official trip abroad. While no group claimed responsibility, the incident raises tensions as Iranian-backed Iraqi militias have previously targeted U.S. forces in the country.
The US is reportedly planning to withdraw all troops from Iraq by 2027, with a significant drawdown by 2025. The decision comes as the US faces increasing pressure to reduce its presence in the Middle East, amid concerns about Iranian influence and the ability of Iraqi forces to handle security threats on their own.
Iraq, heavily reliant on oil revenue, faces a budget crunch in 2025 due to declining oil prices. Despite increasing the 2024 budget, the government is preparing for tighter financial discipline in the following year. The country is focusing on boosting non-oil revenue through better tax collection to mitigate the financial challenges.
The third round of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Asian Qualifiers is in full swing. The UAE, Iraq, and Japan currently hold the top spots in their respective groups, with the top two teams from each group securing direct qualification to the World Cup. The third and fourth-placed teams will advance to the fourth round, where only two teams will earn direct qualification.
The United States and Iraq have reached an agreement to withdraw all US-led coalition forces from Iraq by the end of 2026. The withdrawal will be phased, with hundreds of troops leaving by September 2025. The agreement marks a significant shift in Washington’s military posture in the region and follows months of negotiations between Baghdad and Washington. The drawdown is expected to be completed in two phases, with the first phase seeing the departure of troops from Ain al-Asad airbase and a significant reduction in Baghdad by September 2025. The final phase will see the remaining troops depart by the end of 2026.
