Why it matters:
Tehran and Baghdad view their partnership as central to regional stability and a bulwark against destabilizing foreign interference—particularly from the United States and the Israeli regime—which seeks to divide Muslim countries and hinder economic and political cooperation.
The big picture:
Iran and Iraq maintain one of the region’s strongest political, cultural, and economic ties.
Pezeshkian said border provinces have been given special authority to maximize trade and logistical linkages.
Both leaders emphasized the need to expand cooperation in security, rail connectivity, scientific exchange, and joint development projects.
The meeting took place amid growing regional calls for confronting Israeli aggression and building independent regional mechanisms free from Western pressure.
What they’re saying:
President Masoud Pezeshkian:
“We feel a profound sense of kinship and brotherhood with the government and people of Iraq. Strengthening our ties across all fields remains our firm commitment.”
“Joint investment and developing border connections are our priorities. Governors of border provinces now have special mandates to expand exchanges.”
“The Zionist regime is a malignant tumor in the region, creating ethnic and sectarian conflicts to prevent scientific, cultural, economic, and political cooperation among Muslim countries.”
“Active diplomacy is essential to deliver the voice of our region’s oppressed nations to international forums and to Western governments that refuse to hear the truth.”
He also highlighted the Basra–Shalamcheh railway project as a crucial step toward regional connectivity.
Iraqi President Abdul Latif Rashid:
“Iran is our most important neighbor. Our security is tied to Iran’s security, and Iraq will never forget Iran’s continued support.”
“The Zionist regime is the source of instability across the region, not only through military aggression but also by obstructing economic cooperation among neighboring states.”
“In the face of these threats, regional countries must form a strong, active campaign within European institutions and the United Nations to present a united position.”
He called for the expansion of security, economic, industrial, scientific, and cultural cooperation, saying that any hostility against Iran is considered hostility against Iraq itself.
Key points:
- Iran stresses that unity among Muslim nations is the only effective way to neutralize Israeli and Western plots.
- Baghdad and Tehran reaffirmed the need to avoid tension and strengthen regional coordination.
- Both sides emphasized the importance of exchanging delegations and intensifying cooperation “even in the smallest technical fields.”
Go deeper:
The Iran–Iraq partnership has grown steadily despite Western attempts to pressure both countries.
Joint border markets, energy cooperation, transport corridors, and academic exchanges are central pillars of the future roadmap.
Mojtaba Darabi - Mojtaba Darabi
