Iran, Iraq vow to uphold security pact amid regional tensions

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Al Mayadeen
22 Oct 2025 12:10
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Iran and Iraq stress regional sovereignty and reject foreign interference, citing the recent Israeli-US aggression as a threat to stability and airspace control.

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The Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces, Major General Abdolrahim Mousavi, shakes hands with Iraq's National Security Advisor Qasim al-Araji in Tehran. (Mehr News Agency)

Iran and Iraq have reaffirmed their commitment to a bilateral security agreement that prohibits the use of Iraqi territory to threaten neighboring countries, particularly Iran.

During a meeting in Tehran, the Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces, Major General Abdolrahim Mousavi, stressed the full implementation of the pact in talks with Iraq's National Security Advisor Qasim al-Araji.

Mousavi pointed to recent Israeli-US aggression against Iran as further evidence of Washington’s efforts to assert control over Iraqi airspace.

“The recent developments show clearly the hostile intentions of the United States and its attempt to compromise the sovereignty of regional states,” Mousavi stressed.

Al-Araji confirmed Iraq’s continued adherence to the agreement, underscoring Baghdad’s rejection of any foreign presence or action that could destabilize the region.

Both sides emphasized regional solidarity and resistance against foreign meddling, with Mousavi asserting that Iran would not tolerate any use of Iraqi territory to launch threats or attacks.

Most powerful decision-maker in Iraq is the US: Sheikh al-Khalisi

In a related context, prominent Iraqi religious leader Sheikh Jawad al-Khalisi sharply criticized, during an interview for Al Mayadeen Plus last Saturday, the continued US influence in Iraq, warning that it continues to undermine the country’s independence and stability.

He revealed that the US had initially invited Iraqis and others to join a campaign they termed “liberation,” but stressed that many forces that once opposed this US project in Iraq have now begun to cooperate with it, appease it, and even praise it.

Al-Khalisi pointed to a broad Iraqi political failure, especially among Islamic movements, noting that their inability to lead effectively stems from the fact that their political journey began with foreign sponsorship. He asserted that the country suffers from an externally imposed political agenda that intentionally blocks efforts to resolve living crises and rebuild vital infrastructure.

According to him, this agenda aims to reset Iraq’s security status to “square one,” ignoring the sacrifices Iraqis have made in pursuit of sovereignty and stability.

Zionist interference and the struggle for sovereignty

Al-Khalisi further exposed that Iraq’s security services are managed by agencies linked directly to the United States, and that the Iraqi army is unable to carry out any effective actions independently. He criticized individuals who claim to represent religious authorities but who, instead of uniting Iraqis, exploit the situation to serve narrow interests.

He stressed that the most powerful decision-maker in Iraq today is not Iran, as often suggested, but rather the United States, a central force in shaping the country’s internal dynamics.

The religious leader warned of secret and dangerous Zionist interference in Iraq, stating that these covert actions threaten the nation's independence and are part of a broader regional agenda. He emphasized the need for vigilance and national unity in the face of such threats.

Turning to the regional scene, al-Khalisi affirmed that Iraq has demonstrated official prudence and strength in response to the war in Gaza. However, he insisted that Iraq's true role is much greater.

He declared that the resistance has triumphed in Gaza, adding that "Netanyahu has been defeated." He also praised the sacrifices of Hezbollah and Iran, stating that the regional struggle against aggression continues, and that Iraq is an integral part of that front.