Iran-Iraq Relations: From Rivalry To Complex Coexistence

Timmy Blanda 22 Jun 2025

**In the complex landscape of Middle Eastern geopolitics, the relationship between Iran and Iraq presents a compelling study of shifts and turns. Historically, the two nations have transitioned from an intense rivalry to a surprising collaboration, a journey marked by profound conflict and evolving strategic interests. Understanding the intricate dynamics of Iran and Iraq relations is crucial for grasping the broader regional stability and the future trajectory of the Middle East.**

The harrowing experiences of the 1980s war are etched deeply in their collective memory, serving as a constant reminder of the devastating consequences of outright hostility. However, the dawn of the new millennium unveiled a dramatically different chapter, one where historical animosities began to give way to a complex, often unequal, interdependence. This article delves into the multifaceted aspects of their ties, exploring the historical backdrop, the pivotal moments that reshaped their bond, the various spheres of Iranian influence, and the ongoing efforts to navigate a shared future.

Historical Roots of Iran and Iraq Relations
The Post-2003 Era: A New Chapter for Iran and Iraq Relations
Iranian Hegemony and the ISIS Conflict
- The Collapse of Iraqi Resistance
- The Strategic Corridor
Border Disputes and Lingering Tensions
The US Factor and Its Impact on Iran and Iraq Relations
Iraq's Quest for Autonomy
- Regional Balancing Act
Strengthening Iran and Iraq Relations: Recent Diplomatic Efforts
- Mutual Goals for Regional Welfare
The Future of Iran and Iraq Relations

Historical Roots of Iran and Iraq Relations

The historical narrative of Iran and Iraq is one deeply interwoven with shared cultural heritage, religious ties, and periods of intense geopolitical rivalry. For centuries, the lands that now constitute modern Iran and Iraq have been at the crossroads of empires, often clashing over territory, resources, and ideological influence. The enduring legacy of the Safavid-Ottoman wars, for instance, laid some of the groundwork for later nationalistic and sectarian divisions, particularly along the Sunni-Shia fault lines, which continue to subtly influence Iran and Iraq relations today.

The 20th century brought new complexities. Successive military coups in Iraq led to the takeover by the Ba’ath Party in 1968, and Saddam Hussein’s gradual ascent to power through the ranks of this nationalist, pan-Arabist movement. This period saw a significant hardening of the Iraqi state's stance against Iran, particularly after the 1979 Iranian Revolution, which ushered in an Islamic Republic with a revolutionary ideology. Saddam Hussein, fearing the spread of revolutionary Shiism into Iraq's majority-Shiite population and aiming to assert regional dominance, launched a full-scale invasion of Iran in 1980. This ignited the devastating Iran-Iraq War, a conflict that lasted eight years, claimed millions of lives, and left an indelible scar on the collective memory of both nations. The harrowing experiences of the 1980s war are etched deeply in their collective memory, underscoring the immense human cost of direct confrontation and shaping the cautious approach to their bilateral relations in subsequent decades. This period established a deep-seated mistrust and rivalry that would take decades to even partially overcome, making the current state of Iran and Iraq relations all the more remarkable.

The Post-2003 Era: A New Chapter for Iran and Iraq Relations

The US invaded Iraq in 2003 to overthrow Saddam Hussein’s regime, inadvertently opening a new, pivotal chapter in Iran and Iraq relations. With Saddam, Iran's long-standing nemesis, removed from power, a vacuum emerged that Tehran was quick to fill. Iran has been deeply involved in Iraqi politics since the fall of Saddam Hussein’s regime in 2003, leveraging its historical, religious, and political ties to establish a significant foothold. This involvement was multifaceted, ranging from diplomatic engagement to supporting various political factions and armed groups.

The new Iraqi political landscape, shaped by a Shia-majority government, naturally found common ground with the Shia-led Islamic Republic. More than a dozen Iraqi political parties have ties to Iran, either through shared religious ideology, historical exile during Saddam's rule, or direct financial and logistical support. This intricate web of connections allowed Iran to exert considerable influence over the formation of Iraqi governments, security policies, and even economic decisions. The bilateral relations between Iraq and Iran, while no longer marked by overt conflict, became complex and often unequal, with Iran emerging as the dominant partner.

Iranian Hegemony and the ISIS Conflict

The period between 2014 and 2017 proved to be a critical juncture that further solidified Iran's influence in Iraq, transforming its involvement into what many observers describe as a form of hegemonic control. This hegemony was consolidated through a number of developments related to Iraq’s existential conflict with the Islamic State (ISIS). When ISIS swept across northern Iraq in 2014, capturing vast territories including the strategic city of Mosul, the Iraqi state faced an unprecedented crisis. The fall of Mosul to the jihadi group and the subsequent collapse of much of the Iraqi army left Baghdad vulnerable and desperate for assistance.

The Collapse of Iraqi Resistance

In the face of the Iraqi army's disintegration, Iran swiftly stepped in, providing crucial military and logistical support to Shia militias, which later coalesced into the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF). These groups, many of which had long-standing ties to Tehran, became the primary ground force fighting ISIS alongside the remnants of the Iraqi army and Kurdish Peshmerga. Iran’s support for Shia militias in Iraq enabled it to solidify its influence in the country, providing training, weapons, and strategic guidance. This intervention was instrumental in turning the tide against ISIS, but it came at a cost: it significantly deepened Iraq's reliance on Iran and empowered Iranian-backed non-state actors within the Iraqi security apparatus.

The Strategic Corridor

Beyond the immediate fight against ISIS, Iran's support for these militias allowed Tehran to create a strategic corridor starting from Iran, passing through Iraq and Syria, and reaching Lebanon. This "land bridge" is vital for Iran's regional projection of power, enabling the movement of weapons, personnel, and resources to its allies, including Hezbollah in Lebanon and the Assad regime in Syria. The Islamic Republic has used these advantages to permeate Iraq’s political, security, economic, and religious spheres, establishing a deep and pervasive presence that extends far beyond simple bilateral diplomacy. This strategic depth ensures that Iran and Iraq relations remain profoundly interconnected, with Iran holding significant leverage.

Border Disputes and Lingering Tensions

Despite the shift towards collaboration, the bilateral relations between Iraq and Iran have been marked by conflict and tension for a long time, both historically and up to the present day. Even after the fall of Saddam Hussein and the emergence of a more Iran-friendly government in Baghdad, border disputes and resource-sharing issues continue to surface. A notable example occurred in December 2009, when Iraq accused Iran of seizing an oil well on the border. Such incidents, though often resolved through diplomatic channels, serve as reminders of the unresolved territorial ambiguities and the potential for friction along their long, shared frontier.

These incidents underscore that while the overarching relationship has transformed, underlying historical grievances and practical challenges persist. The precise demarcation of the border, particularly in oil-rich areas and along the Shatt al-Arab waterway, has been a source of contention for decades, even leading to war. While large-scale military confrontations are now highly improbable, minor skirmishes or accusations over resource control highlight the need for continuous dialogue and clear agreements to prevent escalation. The management of these lingering tensions is a crucial aspect of maintaining stable Iran and Iraq relations.

The US Factor and Its Impact on Iran and Iraq Relations

The United States has played a complex and often contradictory role in shaping Iran and Iraq relations. After overthrowing Saddam Hussein, the US found itself in the awkward position of having facilitated Iran's rise to prominence in Iraq. Subsequent US policy, particularly under the Trump administration, sought to reverse this trend through a "maximum pressure" campaign against Iran. This campaign aimed to cut off Iran’s revenue streams and push Tehran to negotiate over its controversial nuclear program, often placing Iraq in a difficult position.

A key example of this pressure was the US stance on Iraq’s energy imports. On March 8, the United States allowed a waiver to expire that had permitted Iraq to buy Iranian electricity. This waiver dated back to President Trump’s first term, following his 2018 withdrawal from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), the international nuclear deal with Iran. The move was the latest in the Trump administration’s “maximum pressure” campaign to cut off Iran’s revenue streams and push Tehran to negotiate over its controversial nuclear program. For Iraq, heavily reliant on Iranian gas and electricity to meet its domestic needs, this created a significant dilemma. Baghdad found itself caught between its powerful neighbor and its crucial international partner, the United States, illustrating the delicate balancing act required in managing its foreign policy and the inherent complexities of Iran and Iraq relations.

Iraq's Quest for Autonomy

Despite Iran's significant influence, there is a growing sentiment within Iraq to assert greater autonomy and reduce its reliance on any single external power. Iraq is the latest country in which many leaders are attempting to move out of Iran’s orbit. This desire for greater sovereignty stems from a recognition that excessive dependence on Iran, while providing certain benefits, also limits Iraq's strategic options and can expose it to regional rivalries. There is a palpable push among various Iraqi political factions and civil society groups to foster a more balanced foreign policy, engaging with a wider array of regional and international partners.

This push for autonomy is not necessarily a rejection of Iran, but rather an attempt to diversify Iraq's relationships and ensure its national interests are paramount. Iraqi leaders are increasingly vocal about their country's sovereignty, emphasizing that Iraq would not allow its territory to be used as a platform for threats or armed opposition against Iran, or any other neighbor. This stance reflects a mature approach to foreign policy, seeking to position Iraq as a bridge-builder rather than a battleground, a critical evolution in the ongoing narrative of Iran and Iraq relations.

Regional Balancing Act

Part of Iraq's strategy to move out of Iran's exclusive orbit involves strengthening ties with other regional actors. Iraq has good relations with Syria and Lebanon and has developed what can be described as a burgeoning role as a regional mediator. Baghdad has hosted talks between Iran and Saudi Arabia, demonstrating its commitment to de-escalation and dialogue in the broader Middle East. Additionally, Iraq has sought to strengthen economic and political ties with Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states, Jordan, and Egypt, aiming to create a more diversified network of alliances. This regional balancing act is crucial for Iraq to assert its independence and ensure its stability, while still maintaining pragmatic and cooperative Iran and Iraq relations.

Strengthening Iran and Iraq Relations: Recent Diplomatic Efforts

Despite the complexities and historical baggage, both Iran and Iraq continue to express a strong desire for strengthening Iran and Iraq relations. This is evident in recent high-level diplomatic exchanges. In a recent phone call, Iranian President Pezeshkian emphasized strengthening ties with Iraq, viewing it as a friendly neighbor. This sentiment was reciprocated by Iraqi President Abdul Latif Rashid, who expressed solidarity with Iran and eagerness to collaborate on security and stability. Such statements highlight a mutual recognition of the benefits of cooperation, particularly in areas like regional security, economic development, and energy trade.

The dialogue underscores mutual goals for stability and prosperity. Both leaders discussed an upcoming meeting focused on enhancing cooperation for regional welfare, signaling a proactive approach to addressing shared challenges. Furthermore, the Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister and Acting Speaker of Iraq’s Council of Representatives called for expanding comprehensive bilateral relations through dialogue, emphasizing the importance of ongoing communication at various levels of government. This commitment to dialogue is essential for navigating the intricate landscape of their relationship and resolving any potential disputes peacefully. Iraq also recently thanked Iran for facilitating a gas deal between Iraq and its neighbors, indicating practical cooperation on vital energy matters.

Mutual Goals for Regional Welfare

The recent diplomatic overtures reflect a shared understanding that regional stability is paramount for both nations' welfare. For Iran, a stable and friendly Iraq provides strategic depth and a vital economic partner. For Iraq, maintaining good relations with Iran is crucial for managing its long border, ensuring energy security, and leveraging its position as a bridge between the Arab world and Iran. The emphasis on security cooperation is particularly significant, given the persistent threats from extremist groups and the need to coordinate efforts to combat terrorism. These shared objectives provide a solid foundation for continued engagement and underscore the evolving nature of Iran and Iraq relations from rivalry to a more pragmatic partnership.

The Future of Iran and Iraq Relations

The future of Iran and Iraq relations is poised to remain a complex interplay of historical legacies, geopolitical realities, and evolving national interests. While the days of direct military confrontation appear to be behind them, the relationship will continue to be shaped by Iran's significant influence in Iraq, Iraq's ongoing efforts to assert its sovereignty, and the broader regional and international dynamics. The narrative of "last year, the axis rapidly slid from the seeming height of its power into terminal decline" might refer to a specific period or interpretation of regional power shifts, but the enduring reality is that Iran's deep ties to Iraq are resilient and multifaceted.

For Iraq, the challenge lies in balancing its strategic imperative to maintain good relations with its powerful neighbor while simultaneously pursuing a more independent and diversified foreign policy. This involves strengthening its state institutions, fostering national unity, and building robust economic and security partnerships with a wider array of international actors. For Iran, the challenge is to manage its influence in a way that is perceived as beneficial and cooperative, rather than hegemonic, allowing Iraq the space to grow as a sovereign nation. The trajectory of Iran and Iraq relations will undoubtedly be a key determinant of stability and prosperity in the Middle East.

Conclusion

From the devastating Iran-Iraq War to the complex interdependence of the post-Saddam era, the relationship between Iran and Iraq has undergone a profound transformation. What began as intense rivalry has evolved into a partnership marked by significant Iranian influence, yet also by Iraq's growing aspirations for autonomy. The harrowing experiences of the 1980s war are etched deeply in their collective memory, serving as a powerful reminder of the costs of conflict, while the post-2003 landscape has seen Iran become deeply involved in Iraqi politics, consolidating its influence, particularly during the fight against ISIS.

Today, while challenges like border disputes and the lingering impact of US sanctions persist, both nations are actively engaged in strengthening Iran and Iraq relations through dialogue and cooperation. The recent emphasis on mutual goals for regional welfare, as articulated by their leaders, signals a pragmatic approach to navigating their shared future. Understanding these intricate dynamics is not merely an academic exercise; it is essential for anyone seeking to comprehend the geopolitical currents of the Middle East. What are your thoughts on the future of Iran and Iraq relations? Share your insights in the comments below, or explore our other articles on regional geopolitics to deepen your understanding of this vital part of the world.

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