Pezeshkian’s visit comes amid a period of heightened tensions between Iran and the United States, with the two countries engaged in a complex geopolitical rivalry. The Iranian president’s visit to Iraq is seen as a strategic move to solidify Iran’s position in the region and to counterbalance the influence of the United States. Pezeshkian’s visit is also significant because it marks the first time an Iranian president has visited Iraq since 2011.
The Iranian president, Hassan Rouhani, emphasized the importance of economic cooperation between Iran and Iraq, highlighting the potential for growth and development in the areas of trade, energy, and infrastructure. He also stressed the need for cultural exchange and people-to-people contact between the two nations. Rouhani’s visit to Iraq was part of a broader strategy to strengthen ties with regional partners and counterbalance the influence of the United States and its allies. This strategy, he said, is aimed at promoting regional stability and security.
The Iranian Foreign Minister, Hossein Amirabdollahian, has repeatedly stated that these sanctions are “illegal” and “unjust.” He has also called for the lifting of these sanctions, arguing that they have severely hampered Iran’s economy and development. The sanctions have had a profound impact on Iran’s economy, leading to a sharp decline in the value of the Iranian Rial, a surge in inflation, and widespread unemployment. The Iranian government has attempted to mitigate the effects of the sanctions through various measures, including currency controls, price controls, and subsidies. However, these measures have been largely ineffective in addressing the economic hardship caused by the sanctions.
Iran and Iraq have a long-standing energy partnership, with Iran supplying natural gas to Iraq to meet its energy needs. This partnership has been crucial for both countries, providing economic benefits and stability. However, Iraq’s debt to Iran for gas imports has reached a critical point, with billions of dollars in arrears. **Detailed Text:**
The energy partnership between Iran and Iraq is a testament to the enduring nature of their bilateral relations. For decades, Iran has been a reliable supplier of natural gas to Iraq, playing a vital role in meeting the country’s energy demands.
** The barrage of attacks triggered retaliatory US air strikes in both countries. **Detailed Text:**
The escalating conflict, marked by a series of violent attacks, prompted the United States to respond swiftly and decisively. In a display of force, the US launched retaliatory air strikes against targets in both countries involved in the initial attacks.
