Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi announced during his visit for the Arbaeen commemoration ceremonies in Iraq that relations between the two countries have reached their highest level in history. Araghchi stressed that the Tehran-Baghdad bond is based on strong religious and cultural roots and reinforced by a 'deep bond of unity'.
Praising the Iraqi government's preparations to host millions of pilgrims in Najaf and Karbala, the Iranian minister stated that Tehran is fully satisfied with the services provided. He noted that bilateral relations have expanded to now also encompass key sectors such as economy, security, trade, and transportation.
Araghchi pointed out that the recent visit by Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi to Iran had taken relations to a new level, and noted that cooperation is increasingly deepening.
Strategic partnership after 2003
Relations between Iran and Iraq have developed steadily since 2003, reaching a strategic partnership level. Iran remains one of the largest suppliers of electricity and natural gas to Iraq, while Iraq is one of the largest markets for Iranian goods.
Baghdad's balancing policy
Prime Minister al-Zaidi met with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian during his first official visit to Tehran on July 23. This visit took place just nine days after al-Zaidi's meeting with US President Donald Trump in Washington, reflecting Baghdad's efforts to maintain balanced relations with both Washington and Tehran.
During his Tehran visit, al-Zaidi sought to strengthen Iraq's regional mediator role and also addressed the impact of the recent US-Iran tensions on Iraqi oil exports. Among his priorities was also securing guarantees from Iran for the safe passage of Iraqi oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz, which is vital for the country's energy exports.
