How Can Iran and Iraq Broaden Their Cooperation?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Iran's President emphasizes stronger ties with Iraq.
- Bilateral cooperation could enhance security and economic growth.
- Regular diplomatic exchanges foster mutual understanding.
- Iraq's security is integrally linked to Iran's.
- Joint security agreements facilitate border coordination.
Tehran, Oct 22 (NationPress) Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian emphasized the need for enhancing Tehran-Baghdad relations "across all sectors," according to a statement from the president's office.
During a meeting on Tuesday in Tehran with Iraqi National Security Advisor Qasim al-Araji, Pezeshkian characterized the bilateral ties as "excellent" and asserted that increased collaboration could bolster security, economic, scientific, and cultural connections between the two nations, as well as within the broader Muslim community, as reported by Xinhua.
He noted that consistent diplomatic interactions could enhance mutual understanding and aid in formulating a coordinated stance on both regional and global matters.
Al-Araji acknowledged that Iraq's security is intricately linked to that of Iran and reiterated Baghdad's dedication to a 2023 bilateral security agreement, promising to avert any threats to Iran emanating from their common border, as indicated in the Iranian statement.
Al-Araji arrived in Tehran on Monday for discussions with senior Iranian officials, including Supreme National Security Council Secretary Ali Larijani, Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, and IRGC Chief Commander Mohammad Pakpour.
Previously, in August 2025, Iraq and Iran formalized a joint security agreement aimed at coordinating security along their shared borders.
The memorandum of understanding (MoU) was executed by Ali Larijani, Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, and Qasim al-Araji, Iraqi National Security Adviser, as stated by the prime minister's media office.
In his discussion with Larijani prior to the signing, Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' al-Sudani reaffirmed Iraq's resolve to cultivate relations with Iran and enhance fruitful partnerships across diverse levels and domains, as stated.