On August 11, 2025, in Baghdad, Iran and Iraq signed a major agreement to strengthen their security cooperation. Signed by Ali Larijani, Secretary of the Iranian Supreme National Security Council, and Qasim al-Araji, Iraqi National Security Advisor, in the presence of Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' Al Sudani, this agreement aims to intensify the fight against terrorism, particularly against the Islamic State, through information sharing and the establishment of rapid alerts.
The two countries commit to better control their common border through surveillance systems funded by Iran and joint operations against traffickers and smuggling networks, particularly in the Diyala province. Iran also requests that Iraq prevent any use of its territory by the United States or Israel against Tehran. The agreement includes judicial cooperation for the extradition of suspects and could offer Iran economic benefits, as Iraq is 40% dependent on its gas.
Geopolitically, Tehran is strengthening its regional influence and its "axis of resistance" towards Syria and Lebanon. Washington and Saudi Arabia express their concerns about this growing influence.
For some, this agreement is positive as it may stabilize the region after years of war. For others, it risks turning Iraq into a battleground between great powers. Ali Larijani is then scheduled to visit Lebanon to deepen economic and security cooperation, while affirming Iranian support amid tensions with Israel.