The big picture:
Iran's Newly appointed Security Chief, Ali Larijani, in his first official visit to Iraq as head of SNSC, signed the joint security pact between Iran and Iraq in a ceremony attended by Iraqi National Security Adviser Qasim Al Araji and the Iraqi Prime Minister, Shia al-Sudani.
Why it matters:
This visit comes amid escalating regional tensions following Israel's military actions in Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria, as well as the recent 12-day Israel and the U.S. imposed war against Iran. The trip underscores critical security coordination between Iran and Iraq during this volatile period.
Key points:
- Iraqi National Security Advisor Qasim al-Araji welcomed Ali Larijani at the airport. He discussed the implementation of security agreements between Iraq and Iran, the regional security situation, and Israeli crimes in Gaza.
- Larijani paid respects at the martyrdom site of Qasem Soleimani and Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis.
- Larijani precedes a planned trip to Lebanon, highlighting Iran's regional security priorities.
- Discussions focused on implementing existing security agreements and economic cooperation.
What they're saying:
- Iraqi President Abdul Latif Rashid: "Iraq is pursuing a policy of positive openness with all neighboring countries to strengthen partnerships based on mutual interests."
- Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' Al Sudani: Reaffirmed Iraq's principled position condemning "Zionist aggression" against Iran while supporting Iran-U.S. negotiations
Go deeper:
Ali Larijani Appointed as Secretary of SNSC
- Hossein Vaez
