Iraq’s National Security Advisor Qasim al-Araji reaffirmed Baghdad’s commitment to fully implement the bilateral security agreement with the Islamic Republic of Iran during high-level talks held in Tehran.

Leading an Iraqi delegation, al-Araji met with Major General Abdolrahim Mousavi, Chief of Staff of Iran’s Armed Forces, at the General Staff headquarters in the Iranian capital. The meeting came amid efforts by both nations to bolster regional stability and prevent security threats along their shared border.

At the outset of the meeting, Major General Mousavi highlighted the “deep brotherhood” between the peoples of Iran and Iraq, saying that this solidarity has long been a source of concern for the United States. “The enemies understand well the blessings and positive effects of this fraternal bond,” Mousavi said, emphasizing that such unity is among the main deterrents to foreign interference in the region.

Referring to past U.S. occupation and recent aggression by the Zionist regime and Washington against the Islamic Republic, Mousavi stated that the true intentions of the United States in Iraq’s internal affairs had now been fully exposed. He underlined the necessity for both nations to continue close security cooperation and ensure the full enforcement of the 2023 Tehran-Baghdad security agreement.

For his part, National Security Advisor Qasim al-Araji stressed that the relationship between Iran and Iraq is built on “deep and unbreakable ties” that no external power can undermine. Commenting on the recent 12-day war between Iran and Israel, al-Araji said that while Iran had lost several military commanders, scientists, and civilians, the Iranian nation stood united with its armed forces and leadership, demonstrating “the resilience and greatness of the Iranian people.”

Al-Araji reiterated that Iraq remains firmly committed to fulfilling all obligations under the bilateral security agreement. He underscored the shared goal of enhancing military, political, and economic cooperation to promote lasting stability in the region.

“Both the Iraqi government and the Kurdistan Regional Government recognize the importance of Iran’s security,” al-Araji said, affirming that Iraq will not allow any state or group to use its territory as a platform to threaten neighboring countries, particularly the Islamic Republic of Iran.

Also attending the meeting, the Minister of Interior of Iraq’s Kurdistan Region confirmed the regional administration’s determination to uphold the agreement, including the disarmament and relocation of anti-Iran armed groups based in northern Iraq. He stressed that “the territory of the Kurdistan Region will not serve as a base for any hostile activity against Iran.”

During his two-day visit to Tehran, al-Araji also held meetings with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, Ali Larijani, Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council, Major General Mohammad Pakpour, Commander of the IRGC Ground Forces, and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. (ILKHA)