Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian’s visit to Iraq, his first foreign trip since taking office in July, underscores the strengthening of ties between Tehran and Baghdad amid rising Middle East tensions. During the three-day visit, Pezeshkian and Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani discussed the Gaza war and broader regional issues, while also signing 14 memorandums of understanding in fields such as trade, sports, agriculture, and cultural cooperation.
This visit highlights Iran’s intent to reinforce its influence in Iraq, a country that maintains strategic relationships with both the United States and Iran. Iraq, which hosts 2,500 US troops, has witnessed increasing hostilities involving Iran-backed groups since the Gaza conflict escalated. Pezeshkian’s agenda included a visit to a monument for Major-General Qassem Soleimani, signaling the ongoing significance of Soleimani’s legacy in Iran-Iraq relations, and plans to visit Iraqi Kurdistan, a region of strategic concern for Iran due to activities of separatist groups and perceived threats from Israel.
The visit occurs amid continued attacks by Iran-aligned groups on US forces in the region, complicating the geopolitical landscape. Additionally, Iraq’s efforts to address Iranian security concerns, particularly regarding separatist groups, emphasize the intertwined security interests of both nations.
