Iraqi leader vows closer ties to Iran

TEHRAN, Iran — Iraq’s President Barham Salih began a visit to Iran on Saturday, where he pledged to improve relations less than two weeks after the United States restored oil sanctions against Iran that had been lifted under the 2015 nuclear deal.

Iran, which has had major influence over Iraq since the 2003 U.S.-led invasion that toppled Saddam Hussein, is hoping to maintain exports to its neighbor despite the renewed sanctions. Iraq is Iran’s second-largest market after China, buying everything from food and machinery to electricity and natural gas.

At a joint briefing after their meeting, Iran’s President Hassan Rouhani said the leaders discussed increasing trade in electricity and oil products, and the establishment of free trade zones along the border. He said they also discussed joint oil projects and improving transportation links between the two countries.

Trade between the two countries was some $7 billion in 2017, and they have vowed to boost it to $8.5 billion this year. Rouhani said it could eventually reach $20 billion a year.

Salih also pledged to improve ties and suggested the formation of a “new regional system” to include Iraq and Iran, one based on “political integrity, national interests and cooperation between nations and governments.” He did not elaborate.