Iran president Hassan Rouhani visits Iraq

(Photo: BBC)

by Eben Gourlay
edited by Shawn Anzalone

The President of Iran hopes to improve political and economic ties with Iraq, according to the BBC.

Hassan Rouhani, the president of Iran, has met with Iraqi president, Barham Saleh, to discuss working on an alliance. “We do not seek to be allied against others, but rather seek to invite other regional states to our alliance as well,” said President Rouhani.

With recent U.S sanctions imposed by President Donald Trump, Iran’s economy has reached record lows, leading to foreign customers being driven away. According to a senior Iranian official, Rouhani’s visit will “provide opportunities for Iran’s economy,” and will also help them avoid the sanctions from the U.S. Although Iraq has been pressured by the U.S to cut ties with Iran, Rouhani hopes to increase bilateral trade to $20 billion.