Emirates Airline has announced the resumption of flights to Basra, Iraq, beginning October 17, 2024. This marks a positive step towards restoring connectivity to the region, but several other destinations remain under suspension, including Baghdad, Tehran, and Beirut. The airline cited operational challenges and logistical complexities as the reasons behind these ongoing suspensions.
An Air France flight from Paris to Dubai flew over Iraqi airspace just as Iran launched a barrage of missiles at Israel on October 1st. The incident has raised concerns about the safety of commercial flights in the region and led to an internal investigation by Air France. The airline confirmed that the flight was over Iraq at the start of the attack, before they suspended flights over the country’s airspace. The incident has sparked questions about communication and coordination between airlines and local authorities during tense geopolitical situations.
As the US plans to reduce its military presence in Iraq, Kurdish allies are voicing their concerns, fearing a repeat of the 2019 situation where they were abandoned by the US and faced attacks from Turkish forces. They emphasize their continued role in fighting ISIS and their vulnerability to threats from Iran and ISIS remnants.
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.
