Iranian President's Inaugural Foreign Visit to Iraq Signals Strengthening Ties
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian embarks on his first official foreign trip to Iraq, aiming to sign agreements and meet senior officials. The visit underscores Iran's growing influence in the region.
In a significant diplomatic move, Masoud Pezeshkian, the President of Iran, is set to make his inaugural official foreign visit to neighboring Iraq on September 13, 2024. This trip highlights the strengthening ties between the two nations and Iran's increasing regional influence.
Pezeshkian, known for his relatively moderate stance, expressed his intentions prior to the journey:
"We are planning to sign several agreements. We will meet senior Iraqi officials in Baghdad."
This visit comes against the backdrop of Iran's growing sway in Iraq, a trend that has been steadily developing since the U.S.-led invasion in 2003 that resulted in the removal of Saddam Hussein's regime. The two nations, sharing a 1,458 km border, have a complex history, including the devastating Iran-Iraq War of 1980-1988 that claimed an estimated one million lives.
Despite their tumultuous past, Iran and Iraq have made significant strides in improving relations. Iran was the first country to recognize Iraq's post-Saddam government in 2004, and the nations have since collaborated on various fronts, including counterterrorism efforts against ISIS and joint military exercises.
The visit is expected to focus on enhancing bilateral cooperation. Both countries are major oil producers and members of OPEC, presenting opportunities for economic collaboration. Additionally, Iran has been a crucial source of electricity for Iraq, helping to address power shortages.
Iraq's political landscape includes several Iran-aligned parties and armed groups, further cementing Tehran's influence. However, Baghdad maintains a delicate balance, as it is also a close ally of Washington, highlighting the complex geopolitical dynamics in the region.
The upcoming meetings are likely to touch upon shared regional concerns, such as the Kurdish minority populations in both countries. They may also discuss religious ties, given Iraq's significance as home to several important Shia Muslim shrines, which are of great importance to Iran's majority Shia population.
As Pezeshkian prepares for this landmark visit, it serves as a testament to the evolving relationship between Iran and Iraq, two nations that have transitioned from bitter enemies to strategic partners in the span of a few decades.
