Iranian top security official conferences with Iraqi authorities before venturing to Lebanon
Iran and Iraq Strengthen Border Security Cooperation
In a significant move, Iran and Iraq have signed a border security deal aimed at enhancing coordination and cooperation along their shared border. The agreement was finalized during the visit of Ali Larijani, the new top security official of Iran, to Baghdad [1][3][5].
The deal, which focuses on enhanced security management, is intended to counter terrorist activities, particularly in the Kurdish border region, and assert control over contested areas amid regional tensions. The memorandum of understanding also includes integrating with broader infrastructural goals such as developing cross-border railway connections to facilitate passenger transport and regional trade routes [1][3].
Iraq's commitment to this agreement underscores its dedication to strong bilateral ties with Iran, despite political divisions and external pressures, including U.S. opposition. Iraqi officials maintain that the deal respects Iraq's sovereignty, addressing concerns raised by Washington about Iraq becoming an Iranian satellite [1][3].
Iran's motivation for this agreement includes securing its borders against Kurdish militants and other groups it designates as terrorist threats, highlighted by previous military actions from the IRGC in Iraq [3].
Regarding Iranian allies like Hezbollah in Lebanon, the Iran-Iraq border security cooperation forms part of a larger regional strategy that helps Iran maintain supply routes and influence through Iraq to Syria and Lebanon. The Iraqi-Syrian border and the corridors through Iraq, Syria, and Lebanon serve as critical transit points for Iranian weapons and fighters supporting Hezbollah and other allied militias [2][4].
The coordinated border management consolidates Iran's capacity to move arms and personnel with greater security and less interference, potentially bolstering Hezbollah's military capabilities in Lebanon despite recent pressures from Israel and other adversaries [2][4]. However, Tehran appears to be pursuing a more cautious, incremental approach in Syria and its proxies’ supply chains, partly due to dwindling resources and intense regional scrutiny [4].
Ali Larijani, who succeeded Gen Ali Akbar Ahmadi Sultan in a major reshuffle of Iran's security leadership following the 12-day war with Israel, is currently on his first trip abroad in the role. He was received by Iraqi National Security Adviser Qasim Al Araji in Baghdad and met with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al Sudani, who emphasized Iraq's diligent efforts to develop relations with the Islamic Republic of Iran [1][6].
During his meetings in Iraq, Larijani praised the Iraqi government and its balanced foreign policy. He also consulted with Lebanese officials and influential figures in Lebanon regarding various regional issues, hinting at plans for a future visit to Lebanon where plans are underway to disarm Iranian ally Hezbollah [7].
The developments in Iran-Iraq border security and regional dynamics involving U.S. opposition, Iraqi political balancing, and continuing conflicts in Syria and Lebanon promise to shape the geopolitical landscape of the Middle East in the coming months.
[1] https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/8/1/iran-iraq-sign-border-security-deal [2] https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/iran-iraq-border-deal-boosts-tehrans-ability-move-arms-lebanon-2025-08-01/ [3] https://www.iranwire.com/news/78417/ [4] https://www.brookings.edu/research/the-iran-proxy-network-under-pressure/ [5] https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/481274/Iran-Iraq-sign-security-cooperation-agreement [6] https://www.alarabiya.net/news/middle-east/iran/2025/08/01/Iran-s-new-security-chief-visits-Iraq-to-discuss-regional-issues [7] https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/iran-s-larijani-planning-visit-lebanon-disarm-hezbollah-2025-08-02/
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