Watch: Iran President Makes First Foreign Trip with Visit to Iraq

Iran’s newly elected president, Masoud Pezeshkian, embarked on his first official trip abroad on Wednesday, visiting Iraq to strengthen the already close ties between the two neighboring nations. His three-day visit comes at a time of heightened tension in the Middle East, particularly due to the ongoing Gaza conflict, which has seen the involvement of Iran-backed groups and has complicated Iraq’s relations with the United States.

Upon arrival, Pezeshkian was greeted by Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani at Baghdad airport, highlighting the close relationship between the two nations. This visit underscores Pezeshkian’s focus on improving ties with neighboring countries, a priority as he aims to lessen Iran’s international isolation and reduce the economic impact of U.S.-led sanctions.

The trip follows new Western sanctions imposed on Iran due to its alleged supply of short-range missiles to Russia for use in Ukraine. Iran has strongly condemned these sanctions, with Foreign Ministry spokesperson Nasser Kanani warning Britain, France, and Germany of potential retaliation for the “hostile” measures.

Ahead of Pezeshkian’s arrival in Baghdad, an explosion occurred at a base used by the U.S.-led anti-jihadist coalition at the airport. An Iranian-backed group, Hezbollah Brigades, claimed the attack was an attempt to disrupt the Iranian president’s visit.

Iran and Iraq, both predominantly Shiite countries, have forged closer ties since the 2003 U.S.-led invasion that removed Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein. Pezeshkian emphasized the importance of the relationship with Iraq before leaving Iran, calling it a “brotherly” country.

Pezeshkian, who assumed office in July after an early election prompted by the death of his predecessor Ebrahim Raisi, sees strengthening ties with neighboring countries as a way to mitigate the effects of sanctions. He previously highlighted how regional relationships can help Iran overcome some of the economic pressures caused by these sanctions.

Iran has become a significant trade partner for Iraq, providing gas exports that cover 30% of Iraq’s electricity needs, although Iraq is billions of dollars behind in its payments. During his visit, Pezeshkian is expected to focus on expanding trade ties between the two nations, particularly in the energy sector.

The visit also comes as U.S. troops remain stationed in Iraq, with around 2,500 still in the country as part of the international coalition against the Islamic State. Iran-backed groups in the region have increased attacks against U.S. forces in response to the Israel-Hamas war, prompting retaliatory strikes by the U.S. in Iraq and Syria.

Pezeshkian’s itinerary includes visits to the Kurdish regional capital, Arbil, where he is expected to hold talks with Kurdish officials. Last year, Iran signed a security agreement with Iraq to disarm Iranian Kurdish rebel groups based in Iraq’s autonomous region, part of efforts to secure their shared border.

This visit signals Iran’s continuing influence in Iraq and its intent to maintain and expand these strategic ties as it navigates the complex geopolitical landscape of the region.