Iran-Iraq Relations: From Conflict To Complex Interdependence

Jackie Quigley DVM 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 dynamic shaped by shared borders, cultural ties, and geopolitical pressures. Understanding this intricate bond is crucial for comprehending regional stability and the broader power dynamics at play.** The historical trajectory of Iran and Iraq has been fraught with tension, marked by periods of intense conflict and uneasy truces. However, the dawn of the new millennium unveiled a new chapter, dramatically altering the nature of their interactions. This article delves into the multifaceted **Iran relations with Iraq**, exploring the historical roots of their animosity, the pivotal events that reshaped their ties, and the complex web of influence and cooperation that defines their present and future.
**Table of Contents** 1. [A Shared History of Rivalry and Resentment](#a-shared-history-of-rivalry-and-resentment) 2. [The Iran-Iraq War: A Scarred Memory](#the-iran-iraq-war-a-scarred-memory) 3. [The Post-2003 Shift: A New Era of Influence](#the-post-2003-shift-a-new-era-of-influence) * [Iran's Deep Involvement in Iraqi Politics](#irans-deep-involvement-in-iraqi-politics) * [The Consolidation of Hegemony through ISIS](#the-consolidation-of-hegemony-through-isis) 4. [Iran's Interests in Iraq: A Strategic Imperative](#irans-interests-in-iraq-a-strategic-imperative) * [Permeating Iraq's Spheres of Influence](#permeating-iraqs-spheres-of-influence) * [The Strategic Corridor and Regional Ambitions](#the-strategic-corridor-and-regional-ambitions) 5. [Challenges to Iraqi Sovereignty and Autonomy](#challenges-to-iraqi-sovereignty-and-autonomy) 6. [Recent Diplomatic Engagements and Future Prospects](#recent-diplomatic-engagements-and-future-prospects) 7. [The Unequal Nature of the Relationship](#the-unequal-nature-of-the-relationship) 8. [Conclusion: A Future Forged in Complexity](#conclusion-a-future-forged-in-complexity)
## A Shared History of Rivalry and Resentment The relationship between Iran and Iraq, two pivotal nations in the Middle East, has been shaped by centuries of geopolitical, religious, and ethnic factors. Historically, the two nations have transitioned from an intense rivalry to a surprising collaboration, but the roots of their animosity run deep. Border disputes, particularly over the Shatt al-Arab waterway (Arvand Rud in Persian), and ideological differences have consistently fueled tensions. In the mid-20th century, 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. His rise marked a significant turning point, as his regime adopted an aggressive posture towards Iran, fueled by Arab nationalism and a desire for regional dominance. In 1969, Saddam Hussein, then Iraq's deputy prime minister, explicitly stated, "Iraq's dispute with Iran is in connection with Khuzestan, which is part of Iraq's soil and was annexed to Iran during foreign rule." This provocative claim, referring to Iran's oil-rich province with a significant Arab population, was soon followed by Iraqi radio stations exclusively broadcasting into Arabistan (the Arabic name for Khuzestan), encouraging Arabs living in Iran and even Baloch people to revolt. Such actions clearly illustrated the deep-seated territorial and ethnic grievances that simmered between the two nations, setting the stage for future conflicts and defining the early phase of **Iran relations with Iraq**. ## The Iran-Iraq War: A Scarred Memory The harrowing experiences of the 1980s war are etched deeply in their collective memory. This devastating conflict, initiated by Iraq's invasion of Iran in September 1980, lasted for eight years and stands as one of the longest and bloodiest conventional wars of the 20th century. Driven by territorial claims, fear of Iran's Islamic Revolution spreading, and a desire to assert regional hegemony, Saddam Hussein launched a full-scale invasion, believing Iran to be weakened by internal strife post-revolution. The war resulted in immense human suffering and widespread destruction. Estimates of total casualties range from one million to twice that number, a staggering toll that underscores the brutality of the conflict. Beyond the immediate human cost, the war left a lasting legacy of animosity, mistrust, and economic devastation in both countries. Fighting was ended by a 1988 ceasefire, though the resumption of normal diplomatic relations and the withdrawal of troops did not take place until 1990. This delayed normalization highlights the depth of the wounds inflicted by the war. Interestingly, throughout the war, Israel provided clandestine support to Iran, viewing Iraq as a more serious threat than Iran, demonstrating the complex and often counter-intuitive alliances that characterized the region. The Iran-Iraq War remains a critical historical backdrop against which current **Iran relations with Iraq** are understood, shaping perceptions and strategic calculations on both sides. ## The Post-2003 Shift: A New Era of Influence The dynamics of **Iran relations with Iraq** underwent a monumental transformation following the U.S. invasion of Iraq in 2003. The us invaded Iraq in 2003 to overthrow Saddam Hussein’s regime, an event that inadvertently removed Iran's primary regional adversary and opened a vacuum that Tehran was quick to fill. This pivotal moment fundamentally reshaped the geopolitical landscape of the Middle East, paving the way for Iran to significantly expand its influence in its western neighbor. Relations between Iraq and Iran have improved considerably since the fall of Saddam Hussein in 2003, moving from outright hostility to a complex, albeit often unequal, partnership. ### Iran's Deep Involvement in Iraqi Politics Iran has been deeply involved in Iraqi politics since the fall of Saddam Hussein’s regime in 2003. This involvement stems from a combination of strategic, ideological, and economic factors. With the collapse of the Ba'athist state, Iraq transitioned into a Shiite-majority led government, which naturally fostered closer ties with Shiite-majority Iran. Tehran leveraged these sectarian links, along with historical and cultural connections, to cultivate a strong network of allies within the new Iraqi political system. More than a dozen Iraqi political parties have ties to Iran, ranging from direct funding and ideological alignment to shared strategic objectives. This extensive network allows Iran significant leverage in Iraqi decision-making, influencing everything from government formation to foreign policy orientations. Mahmoud Ahmadinejad was the first Iranian president to visit Iraq since Iran's 1979 Islamic Revolution, a symbolic visit in 2008 that underscored the burgeoning new relationship and Iran's growing confidence in its influence over its neighbor. ### The Consolidation of Hegemony through ISIS The period from 2014 to 2017 marked a critical phase in the consolidation of Iran's influence over Iraq. In fact, Iran exerts hegemonic control over Iraq, and this hegemony was consolidated through a number of developments related to Iraq’s existential conflict with the Islamic State (ISIS). The fall of Mosul to the jihadi group in June 2014, followed by the collapse of much of the Iraqi army, created a dire security vacuum. With the Iraqi state teetering on the brink, Iran swiftly stepped in to provide crucial military and logistical support. Through its Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and its Quds Force, Iran mobilized and trained various Iraqi Shiite militias, collectively known as the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF). These groups played a vital role in pushing back ISIS and ultimately liberating Iraqi territory. Iran’s support for Shia militias in Iraq enabled it to solidify its influence in the country, earning it significant gratitude and legitimacy among large segments of the Iraqi population, particularly the Shiite community. This period cemented Iran's position as an indispensable security partner, further entrenching its sway over Iraq's political and security landscape. ## Iran's Interests in Iraq: A Strategic Imperative What are Iran’s interests in Iraq? Tehran's deep engagement in Iraq is driven by a multifaceted strategic imperative. Firstly, Iraq serves as a crucial buffer zone against potential threats from the west, particularly from the United States and its allies. A friendly and stable Iraq, aligned with Iranian interests, provides a vital layer of security for the Islamic Republic. Secondly, Iraq is a significant economic partner, offering trade opportunities and access to vital markets. Thirdly, and perhaps most importantly, Iraq is a cornerstone of Iran's regional power projection. ### Permeating Iraq's Spheres of Influence The Islamic Republic has used these advantages to permeate Iraq’s political, security, economic, and religious spheres. In the political realm, Iran maintains close ties with key Iraqi political factions and leaders, ensuring its voice is heard in government formation and policy-making. This influence is evident in the alignment of many Iraqi political decisions with Tehran's regional agenda. In the security sphere, Iran's support for and influence over the PMF has made these groups a powerful force within Iraq's security apparatus, often operating outside the direct control of the central government. Economically, Iran is a major trading partner, exporting goods and services to Iraq and benefiting from its energy resources. Religiously, the deep historical and spiritual ties between the Shiite holy cities in Iraq (Najaf, Karbala, Samarra) and Iran foster a strong bond, with millions of Iranian pilgrims visiting Iraq annually, further cementing cultural and religious influence. ### The Strategic Corridor and Regional Ambitions Beyond direct influence, Iran's strategic vision for the region heavily relies on Iraq. Iran’s support for Shia militias in Iraq enabled it to solidify its influence in the country and allowed Tehran to create a strategic corridor starting from Iran, passing through Iraq and Syria, and reaching Lebanon. This "land bridge" is crucial for Iran's ability to supply its allies, particularly Hezbollah in Lebanon and the Assad regime in Syria, with weapons, fighters, and other logistical support. This corridor is a vital component of Iran's "Axis of Resistance," a network of allies and proxies aimed at countering U.S. and Israeli influence in the region. The existence and functionality of this corridor are paramount to Iran's regional security doctrine and its broader geopolitical ambitions, making the stability and alignment of Iraq indispensable to its strategic calculations. ## Challenges to Iraqi Sovereignty and Autonomy Despite the apparent collaboration and improved ties, the relationship between Iraq and Iran is complex and unequal. While Iran views Iraq as a friendly neighbor, many Iraqi leaders and segments of the population increasingly perceive Iran's deep influence as a challenge to their national sovereignty and autonomy. Iraq is the latest country in which many leaders are attempting to move out of Iran’s orbit. This growing sentiment reflects a desire for greater independence in foreign policy and a reduction in external interference. The economic and political costs of being too closely aligned with Iran, particularly in the face of international sanctions against Tehran, have become increasingly apparent to Baghdad. There have been instances of direct friction, such as a conflict that occurred in December 2009, when Iraq accused Iran of seizing an oil well on the border. Such incidents, though often localized, underscore the underlying tensions and unresolved issues that continue to simmer beneath the surface of the relationship. The challenge for Iraq is to balance its strategic partnership with Iran with its own national interests and aspirations for greater regional and international integration. ## Recent Diplomatic Engagements and Future Prospects Despite the inherent complexities and occasional friction, diplomatic channels between Iran and Iraq remain active and crucial for regional stability. In a recent phone call, Iranian President Pezeshkian emphasized strengthening ties with Iraq, viewing it as a friendly neighbor. This sentiment reflects Iran's consistent public stance of fostering good relations with its western neighbor, recognizing the mutual benefits of cooperation. Both leaders discussed an upcoming meeting focused on enhancing cooperation for regional welfare. This dialogue underscores mutual goals for stability, economic development, and security in a volatile region. Iraqi President Abdul Latif Rashid expressed solidarity with Iran and eagerness to collaborate on security and stability, particularly in the wake of recent regional challenges. Such high-level engagements are vital for managing the intricate **Iran relations with Iraq**, addressing shared concerns, and navigating the delicate balance between cooperation and preserving national interests. The future of this relationship will likely continue to be characterized by a blend of pragmatic cooperation, underlying tensions, and a constant negotiation of influence and autonomy. ## The Unequal Nature of the Relationship The narrative of **Iran relations with Iraq** cannot be fully understood without acknowledging its fundamentally unequal nature. While Iraq has good relations with Syria and Lebanon and has developed what can be seen as a nascent network of regional ties, Iran's influence over Iraq far outweighs Baghdad's reciprocal leverage over Tehran. This imbalance is not merely a perception; it is deeply embedded in the post-2003 political and security architecture of Iraq. Iran’s strategic depth, military capabilities, and extensive network of proxies and political allies within Iraq create a significant power differential. This has led to a situation where, despite Iraq's sovereign status, its strategic decisions and internal affairs are often heavily influenced by Iranian considerations. The axis of Iran's regional power, which includes its ties with Iraq, has recently faced challenges. Last year, the axis rapidly slid from the seeming height of its power into terminal decline, a statement reflecting the shifting sands of Middle Eastern geopolitics, potentially due to internal dissent, external pressures, or a re-evaluation of strategies by Iran's allies. However, even with such shifts, the fundamental asymmetry in the relationship between Iran and Iraq persists, making it a critical factor in understanding regional dynamics. ## Conclusion: A Future Forged in Complexity The relationship between Iran and Iraq is a testament to the fluid and often unpredictable nature of Middle Eastern geopolitics. From a history marred by devastating war and deep-seated animosity, the two nations have transitioned into a complex, interdependent, and at times, unequal partnership. The fall of Saddam Hussein in 2003 served as the crucible for this transformation, allowing Iran to establish a profound and multifaceted influence across Iraq's political, security, economic, and religious landscapes. While Iran views Iraq as a vital strategic partner and a key component of its regional security architecture, many Iraqis are increasingly seeking to assert greater autonomy and balance their relationships with various regional and international actors. The ongoing diplomatic engagements, as exemplified by recent high-level phone calls, underscore the mutual recognition of the importance of this relationship for regional stability and welfare. However, the underlying tensions, particularly concerning Iraqi sovereignty and the pervasive nature of Iranian influence, will continue to shape their interactions. Understanding **Iran relations with Iraq** requires appreciating this intricate balance of cooperation, competition, and control. It is a relationship that will undoubtedly continue to evolve, impacting not only the stability of the two nations but also the broader trajectory of the Middle East. As readers, what are your thoughts on the future trajectory of this critical relationship? Do you believe Iraq can successfully navigate its path towards greater autonomy, or will Iran's influence remain a defining feature of its foreign policy? Share your insights in the comments below, and explore other articles on our site for more in-depth analyses of Middle Eastern geopolitics.