Saddam Hussein's Visit to Imam Reza Shrine: A Diplomatic Gesture Amidst Regional Tensions

Iran, under the Shah's rule at the time, also approached Saddam's visit with cautious optimism. The Shah's regime saw potential in improving relations with Iraq, especially in securing its western frontiers and focusing its security concerns more on the Soviet Union and the communist influence. The significance of religion in this interaction cannot be ignored, as it served as both a bridge and a barrier in the Iran-Iraq relationship, highlighting the dual nature of the visit's implications.