The convoy ultimately went west.
Though Iraq was perennially in turmoil and the influence of the Government was virtually nil, the lack of an organized authority signified that even with large numbers, people would be disorganized and essentially rogue combatants. This meant that Gao Yuan and his hundreds-strong convoy were an invincible presence.
The situation with the local Iraqis, on the other hand, was different. First of all, nobody knew the current state of the Iraqis, and secondly, nobody could predict their actions. In a word, they were 'uncontrollable'. With such territories, it was best to keep a respectful distance and avoid them.
So how does one enter Iraq from Persia?
Bypass the Zagros Mountains first, then head west into Iraq from the northern end of the mountain range. The first major city after crossing the border is Diyana and not far past Diyana lies the infamous city of Mosul.
One of the storm eyes of Iraq, Mosul.
