Al-Sudani Visits Iran to Bolster Ties, President Masoud Pezeshkian choose not to wear one.

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani popped over to Tehran today, for reasons as per his press release, and repeated in parrot fashion at every meeting “with the aim to strengthen bilateral relations”

The high-profile visit, with a tie-less Iranian President saw a fancy ceremonial reception at the historic Saadabad Palace and then more discussions on cooperation across various sectors, including infrastructure, trade, energy, with both leaders reaffirming their commitment to agreements made during Pezeshkian’s visit to Baghdad in September, including the Basra-Shalamcheh railway project.

Al-Sudani described economic partnerships as “pivotal to regional stability”, and made the point that Iraq is keen to pursue projects that promote economic integration, not only between Iraq and Iran but across the wider region, despite the lingering challenges, there does remain a desire in implementing solid agreements, particularly in energy and transportation.

Beyond bilateral matters, the meeting ventured into the standard geopolitical concerns, Syria, Palestine, and Lebanon. Al-Sudani sees the critical importance of stability in Syria, describing it as “a cornerstone for peace in the Middle East”

As such his policy remains that he supports a political solution that upholds Syria’s sovereignty, limits external interference, and respects the will of its people. Iraq also expressed readiness to aid in Syria’s reconstruction and the return of displaced citizens.

Gaza was also discussed, Al-Sudani condemned again what he called the “genocidal Zionist war” against the Palestinian people, accusing the international community of failing to stop the violations and crimes being committed, Iraq under Al-Sudani continues to frame itself as offering unwavering support for “Palestinian self-determination” and the establishment of a free and independent state for the good of a more stable region.

Lebanon, too, featured, Iraq’s position remains simply supporting the truce with a pledge towards reconstruction efforts and aid.

All in all, not a great deal of concrete info from the press releases, though behind the scenes, the elephant in the room of policy in Iraq and Iran with a weakened resistance axis remains and was surely discussed in private.