Iran"s President Pezeshkian visits Iraq for first foreign trip

Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian is set to visit Iraq on Wednesday, marking his first international trip since taking office in July. This visit is significant as it comes at the invitation of Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani and aims to strengthen bilateral relations between the two neighboring countries. Pezeshkian will lead a high-ranking delegation to Baghdad to engage with senior Iraqi officials, highlighting the importance of cooperation in security and trade. The visit is particularly noteworthy as it follows the tragic death of former President Ebrahim Raisi, who was killed in a helicopter crash in May. The agreements that Pezeshkian plans to sign were initially intended to be finalized during Raisi's planned visit to Iraq. This underscores the continuity of Iran's foreign policy focus on enhancing ties with its neighbors, especially given the historical and political connections between Iran and Iraq, both of which are predominantly Shiite. Over the past two decades, relations between the two nations have strengthened, with Iran becoming one of Iraq's leading trade partners. The two countries have previously signed security agreements, particularly concerning their shared border, and have taken steps to address issues related to Kurdish opposition groups operating in Iraq. This visit is expected to further solidify these agreements and enhance cooperation in various sectors. In light of recent regional tensions, including Iran's military actions against Kurdish groups in Iraq, Pezeshkian's trip is a strategic move to reinforce Iran's influence in Baghdad and ensure stability along their border. The outcomes of this visit could have significant implications for both countries' political landscapes and their ongoing collaboration in security matters.