Iraqi Prime Minister Al-Sudani in Iran today

Ebrahim Beheshti, Staff writer

Dialogue for more interaction in Tehran

After a year of political deadlock in Iraq, about a month ago, the new government led by Prime Minister Mohammad Shia al-Sudani won the approval of the parliament. The 52-year-old Al-Sudani was previously the Minister of Human Rights, as well as the Minister of Labor in the Iraqi government, and now, as prime minister, he has heavy tasks to overcome during his term.

The existing challenges in this country are crucial. Al-Sudani vowed to make reforms in the economy, improve public services and fight against poverty, corruption and unemployment.

In order to overcome the challenges facing it, the new Iraqi government is looking at a balanced foreign policy and strengthening relations with its neighbors in order to benefit from the capacities of friendly and neighboring countries to overcome its internal difficulties, in addition to adopting reformist policies.

In this regard, in the month since he took office, Al-Sudani has traveled to Kuwait and Jordan, and is visiting Tehran. According to media reports, he will leave for Saudi Arabia at the beginning of this month as well.

The relations between Tehran and Baghdad in the new era and after the Baathist regime was toppled have always been interactive and growing. These good relations have been based on historical, cultural, religious, political and economic commonalities.

However, excellent relations between the nations and governments of Iran and Iraq have not meant that they haven’t had obstacles.

Currently, a security challenge has arisen between Tehran and Baghdad over border control and the presence of bases of separatist groups opposing the Islamic Republic of Iran in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. It is important, however, that the will of the high-ranking officials of the two countries is to strengthen relations and solve challenges based on mutual respect and through dialogue.

Based on this and following the missile and drone operations of the Iranian Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) on the bases of separatist groups in areas of the Kurdistan Region, understandings have been reached between the officials of Tehran and Baghdad for the deployment of the Iraqi Army in the border strip with Iran, and more control of legal foreign traffic.

It is said that the continuation of consultations to resolve this security challenge will be one of the important topics between Al-Sudani with Iranian officials, including the president.

In addition, the development of economic and trade exchanges between the two countries will be one of the most important topics of discussion of the Iraqi delegation in Tehran.

The new Iraqi government, which follows a year of political and economic instability, needs Iran’s help to sort out its economy. Tehran has the ability to provide part of Iraq’s infrastructural and consumption needs, as agreements have been made for the construction of a power plant and the continuation of Iran’s gas and electricity exports to Iraq.

Similarly, the volume of commercial exchanges between the two sides has maintained a growing trend.

All these talks between the high-ranking officials of the two countries in Tehran can definitely provide a platform for the further development of economic relations. Based on the Iraqi side expressing readiness to continue hosting delegations from Iran and Saudi Arabia to resume dialogue, it seems that Al-Sudani will hold consultations with senior officials in Tehran, especially since it is said that he will leave for Saudi Arabia soon.

With that in mind, it seems that Al-Sudani is relying on the capacities of his neighbors, especially Iran, to advance his cabinet’s plans. Tehran has never hesitated to help the people and government of Iraq.