Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has embarked on his first official foreign trip to Iraq since taking office, aiming to strengthen bilateral relations amid regional tensions and international sanctions. He was warmly received by Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' Al-Sudani and plans to hold meetings with senior officials to discuss security cooperation and economic ties. His visit coincides with an explosion near Baghdad International Airport, targeting a site used by the U.S. military, which some speculate was intended to disrupt his visit. Pezeshkian will also visit holy Shiite shrines in Karbala and Najaf, and explore a railroad project linking Basra to Iran. This trip underscores Iran's strategic focus on enhancing regional relationships to mitigate international pressures and sanctions.