March 10, 2019
By John Davison and Babak Dehghanpisheh
BAGHDAD/GENEVA (Reuters) – President Hassan Rouhani’s visit to Iraq this week is a strong message to the United States and its regional allies that Iran still dominates Baghdad, a key arena for rising tension between Washington and Tehran.
The first Iranian presidential visit to Iraq since 2013 is also meant to signal to President Donald Trump’s administration that Tehran retains its influence in much of the region despite U.S. sanctions.
“Iran and Iraq are neighbors and no country can interfere in their relations,” Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said after arriving in Baghdad to prepare for the visit.
https://www.oann.com/rouhani-seeks-to-shore-up-irans-influence-on-baghdad-trip/