Tehran: President Masoud Pezeshkian has asserted Iran's commitment to implementing all agreements with Iraq as part of a broader strategy to consolidate relations with neighboring and Islamic nations. Pezeshkian's remarks highlight the administration's focus on strengthening regional ties amidst ongoing geopolitical tensions.

According to Islamic Republic News Agency, during a phone call with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' Al Sudani, Pezeshkian emphasized the importance of enhancing brotherly relations between Iran and Iraq to counteract adversarial plots in the region. The president stated, "Iran is determined to implement all its agreements with Iraq to further strengthen the brotherly relations between the two countries, as well as with other Islamic and neighboring countries, and to thwart the enemies' plots aimed at sowing discord among the countries of the region."

In response, Al Sudani echoed these sentiments, underscoring the necessity of unity and economic cooperation among Islamic nations. He remarked, "Strengthening brotherhood and friendly relations between Iran and Iraq is a necessity. Unity and reinforced ties are essential to further bolster their stance against the ill-wishers of both nations."

This diplomatic engagement follows the recent expiration of a U.S. waiver that had allowed Iraq to import electricity directly from Iran without breaching U.S. sanctions. The waiver's lapse is a component of the Donald Trump administration's maximum pressure campaign against Iran, impacting Iraq's ability to manage its energy crisis.

The waiver, which expired early last month, was crucial for Iraq as it addressed its chronic energy shortages by importing Iranian electricity and gas. Despite its wealth in oil and gas resources, Iraq has faced enduring electricity shortages due to decades of war and infrastructural mismanagement. Iraqi officials have expressed concerns about significant electricity supply issues arising from the lack of a U.S. waiver enabling the import of Iranian electricity.