Masoud Pezeshkian's visit to Iraq marks his first international trip since taking office at the end of June

Masoud Pezeshkian, Iran's new president, embarked on his first official trip abroad by visiting Iraq, signaling his intent to strengthen Tehran's relationship with Baghdad amid growing regional tensions. The visit is a clear indication of Iran's strategic focus on neighboring countries, especially Iraq, which has long been a key ally and hosts several Iran-aligned parties and armed groups.

Pezeshkian's agenda includes signing multiple agreements with Iraqi officials to bolster cooperation, particularly as Iran faces challenges from Western sanctions. These sanctions, recently escalated in response to Iran's supply of missiles to Russia for use in Ukraine, have pushed Tehran to seek closer ties with regional partners like Iraq.

The visit takes place in a fraught context, with tensions rising in the Middle East, particularly due to the conflict in Gaza and the presence of Iran-backed armed groups across the region. This situation is complicated by Iraq's relationship with the U.S., as it hosts around 2,500 American troops. Just before Pezeshkian's arrival, a blast hit a base used by the U.S.-led coalition, with the Iranian-backed Ketaeb Hezbollah claiming it was meant to disrupt the Iranian president’s visit. The incident highlights the complex dynamics at play in Iraq, where influences from both the U.S. and Iran intersect.

Pezeshkian's visit underscores Iran's strategy of deepening ties with regional allies to mitigate the impact of sanctions and assert its influence amid broader geopolitical tensions.