TEHRAN – President Masoud Pezeshkian’s three-day visit to Iraq underscores the growing significance of Iran’s relationship with its western neighbor, which has become one of Tehran’s largest trading partners. 

This visit marked Pezeshkian’s first state trip abroad since taking office in late July, highlighting its importance as a major diplomatic and economic initiative.

Upon arrival at Baghdad International Airport on Wednesday, Pezeshkian was warmly greeted by Iraqi officials. The trip, made at the invitation of Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, featured a high-ranking political and economic delegation from Iran. 

A focus on unity, security, and the Gaza crisis

On the first day of his visit, Pezeshkian held talks with several top Iraqi officials, including President Abdul Latif Rashid, Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' Al-Sudani, and the President of Iraq's Supreme Judicial Council Faiq Zidan. 

In these discussions, the Iranian president emphasized the need for unity among Muslim countries, particularly in light of the Gaza crisis. In a joint statement released by the prime minister’s office, al-Sudani and Pezeshkian called on the international community to take responsibility for ending the genocide in Gaza. 

This plea resonated with both Iran and Iraq’s shared stance on the Israeli war on Gaza, and underscored Pezeshkian’s belief that Israel exploits the disunity among Muslim nations to further its geopolitical agenda.

Pezeshkian also emphasized the importance of fully implementing a security agreement between Iran and Iraq to confront terrorists and enemies who threaten the region’s stability. He stressed that enhanced security cooperation between the two nations would have a positive impact on the overall security of the region.

Expanding bilateral cooperation across key sectors

A major outcome of Pezeshkian’s visit was the signing of 14 agreements aimed at expanding cooperation in various sectors, including economic, commercial, cultural, and social fields. 

In a joint press conference with the Iraqi prime minister, Pezeshkian highlighted the need for stronger economic ties between Iran and Iraq, including a task force to discuss a comprehensive economic and trade agreement.

During meetings with Iraqi business and economic leaders, Pezeshkian emphasized that one of the key goals of his visit was to facilitate the activities of Iranian businesses and manufacturing companies in Iraq. The president noted that better economic relations would not only benefit the two countries but also contribute to the stability of the wider region.

Iran and Iraq already share robust economic ties, with annual trade between the two countries estimated at $12 billion. Iran is a major supplier of natural gas and electricity to Iraq, and Iranian exports to the country reached $4.5 billion in the five months leading up to August 2023—a 21% increase from the previous year. 

According to the Trade Promotion Organization of Iran, exports to Iraq could reach record levels this year, potentially exceeding $10 billion.

Pezeshkian’s visit reinforced the strategic importance of the economic ties. The agreements signed during the trip aimed to bolster cooperation in critical sectors like oil, energy, and human resource development. 

Iraq, as an oil-rich nation, offers significant opportunities for collaboration, particularly in energy infrastructure and trade. For Iran, deepening economic relations with Iraq is vital given the geographical proximity and religious and cultural affinities.

A historic diplomatic engagement with Iraqi Kurdistan

A particularly significant aspect of Pezeshkian’s visit was his meeting with officials from Iraqi Kurdistan, including Kurdish leader Nechirvan Barzani. This marked the first time an Iranian president held official talks with the President of Iraqi Kurdistan, making it a historic milestone in Iran-Iraq relations. 

The Iranian president also answered reporters' questions in Kurdish, underscoring the deep linguistic and cultural ties between Iran and Kurdistan. Kurdish officials, including Barzani, acknowledged these shared ties and assured Pezeshkian that Iraqi Kurdistan would not allow its territory to be used for attacks by separatist militant groups. 

This assurance was aligned with Iran’s strategic interests in maintaining security along its borders and fostering stability in the region.

Visit to Iraq’s economic capital 

A key highlight of Pezeshkian’s trip was his visit to Basra, Iraq’s economic capital. Basra, with its immense oil wealth, plays a critical role in Iraq’s economy. By visiting this vital city, Pezeshkian signaled Iran’s interest in deepening economic collaboration with Iraq, particularly in sectors like energy, infrastructure development, and trade.

His pilgrimage to Iraq’s holy sites during the trip also added a religious dimension to the visit, reflecting the deep spiritual ties between the two nations. The religious and cultural diplomacy further solidified the bond between Iran and Iraq, reinforcing the historical and religious connections that have long united the two countries.

Pezeshkian’s visit to Iraq marked a major diplomatic success for Iran. It was more than just a routine state visit—it was a comprehensive effort to deepen ties across multiple sectors. From economic agreements and energy cooperation to cultural diplomacy and security assurances, the trip highlighted the strategic importance of Iran-Iraq relations.

By enhancing economic ties, ensuring regional security, and promoting Muslim unity, Pezeshkian’s trip laid the groundwork for a stronger, more unified front between Iran and Iraq.