Iraq, Iran affirm continued security coordination after recent regional tensions

BAGHDAD – Iraqi National Security Advisor Qasim Al-Araji and Iranian Supreme National Security Council Secretary Ali Larijani emphasized the importance of maintaining close security coordination between their countries during a joint press conference held Monday in Tehran.

Al-Araji said Iraq remains committed to regional stability and preventing any escalation that could threaten security in the Middle East. “The Iraqi government has filed an official complaint against the Zionist entity with the United Nations Security Council,” he said, referring to the 12-day conflict between Israel and Iran.

He added that Baghdad has reaffirmed its opposition to the use of Iraqi airspace for military operations targeting Iran. Both Israeli and Iranian forces reportedly crossed Iraqi airspace during the recent confrontation. Iraq does not recognize Israel and enforces a law criminalizing normalization with it.

Al-Araji also highlighted Iraq’s participation in the Sharm el-Sheikh summit, saying, “Our region is suffering severely from repeated Zionist aggression. Violations of the Gaza ceasefire agreement must not be allowed.”

He reiterated Iraq’s rejection of sanctions on any nation, stating that disputes “should be resolved through dialogue and diplomatic means.”

Larijani said strengthening bilateral security ties is essential to sustaining economic cooperation. “If we want our economic relations to remain stable, we must also strengthen our security ties,” he said.

He praised Iraq’s stance during the recent conflict, saying, “We appreciate Iraq’s position during the 12-day war. Unfortunately, the Zionist entity exploited Iraqi airspace during that time, and our Iraqi brothers expressed regret over what happened.”