Ali Larijani, Iran’s newly appointed Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council announced today that negotiations with Iraq for a bilateral security agreement have reached their final stage and should be formalized during his official visit to Baghdad later this week (IRNA English +1).
Diplomatic Visit and Strategic Intent Larijani made his inaugural foreign mission since his recent elevation to top security post. When arriving in Baghdad, he was welcomed formally by Qasim al-Araji – Iraq’s National Security Advisor, further reinforcing the significance of his visit (Caliber.az +12 IRNA English +12 Rudaw +12).
Prior to his visit, Larijani underlined the depth of Iran-Iraq relations by noting their strong commercial links and partnership during Arbaeen Pilgrimage as indicators of shared priorities, according to IRNA English and Mehr News Agency.
According to Larijani, Iran’s Security Agreement: A Regional Game Changer He said this draft agreement represents its foreign policy of viewing neighboring state security as integral to national stability; in contrast to other regional powers who focus solely on self-interest. he stressed. For additional coverage click on WANA or IRNA English
On his visit, Iran’s top security official met with his counterpart from Iraq to further advance coordination and sign a peace pact, an event widely touted by media outlets as marking a significant step forward for bilateral relations. Wiki and Mehr News Agency both acknowledged this achievement as being landmark achievements for bilateral ties.
Why This Matters: Geopolitical Consequences and Regional Stability
The agreement comes at a critical juncture for Iraq as international pressure to reform its security apparatus–in particular Iranian-linked militia groups known as Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF)–bears down. [Wikipedia]
Iran has long voiced concern about anti-Iranian militant groups in Iraq’s autonomous Kurdish region. A security treaty signed between Baghdad and Tehran on March 20, 2023 had addressed these worries by agreeing to prevent cross-border attacks from Kurdish groups; Wikipedia itself reported this agreement and provided additional proof.
Iran’s foreign minister Ali Larijani’s statement highlights Tehran’s desire to reduce regional instability by developing mutual defense frameworks that reinforce mutual security commitments – signaling a potential shift toward greater formalized regional cooperation.
Looking Ahead: Lebanon and Beyond
Following his visit to Baghdad, Larijani will travel onward to Beirut where he plans to hold high-level talks about Lebanon’s national unity, sovereignty, trade ties and stability. Larijani stressed his country’s emphasis on Lebanon’s independence while emphasizing civilizational links between Tehran and Beirut in his remarks (IRNA English +3, The Times of Israel +3 WANA +3, Afghan Voice Agency).
Conclusion
Iran’s move to establish a security pact with Iraq signals a wider diplomatic initiative aimed at strengthening regional strategic ties through structured cooperation. By intertwining its national security with those of its neighbors, Iran may be charting a course toward collective stability in an unstable region characterized by shifting alliances and geopolitical upheaval.