Iran expresses readiness to support Iraq’s Development Road project

BAGHDAD – Iran’s Acting Foreign Minister, Ali Bagheri Kane, expressed his country’s support for and readiness to participate in Iraq’s Development Road project during a meeting with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani on Thursday.

The $17-billion Development Road project aims to connect the Gulf region to Turkey and Europe by building ports, railways, and highways across Iraq.

Bagheri Kani replaced Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, after Abdollahian and President Ebrahim Raisi died in a helicopter crash in mid-May. Bagheri arrived in Baghdad today and is scheduled to meet with senior Iraqi officials and visit the Kurdistan Region to meet with Kurdish leaders.

Al-Sudani and Bagheri Kani discussed regional and international issues, including the ongoing conflict in Gaza and its humanitarian impacts. They emphasized the need for urgent international efforts to stop the conflict and prevent further escalation.

Al-Sudani reiterated Iraq’s commitment to enhancing bilateral relations with Iran and fostering constructive cooperation. Both sides affirmed their commitment to continuing joint committee meetings and implementing memorandums of understanding in key sectors such as energy, security, education, and transportation.

During the meeting, Al-Sudani extended condolences for the recent deaths of the Iranian president, foreign minister, and their colleagues. Bagheri Kani expressed gratitude for Iraq’s solidarity and commended Iraq’s role in promoting regional stability and mediating between nations.