Iraq, Iran sign security memorandum on border coordination

BAGHDAD — Iraq and Iran on Monday signed a new joint security memorandum to boost coordination along their shared border. The agreement, signed by Iraqi National Security Adviser Qasim al-Araji and Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council Ali Larijani, was overseen by Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani.

According to a statement from al-Sudani’s office, the prime minister expressed Iraq’s commitment to developing relations with the Islamic Republic of Iran and enhancing “fruitful partnerships across various levels and fields” to serve the interests of both peoples. He reiterated Iraq’s “principled and firm stance in rejecting the Zionist [Israel] aggression against Iran and any actions that lead to the escalation of conflicts at the regional and international levels,” and voiced support for U.S.-Iran dialogue.

Larijani highlighted plans for a passenger rail link between the two countries and its connection to Iraq’s Development Road project and other major transport corridors in the region.

Speaking to Iran’s state-run Islamic Republic News Agency, Larijani said, “We have prepared a security agreement with Iraq, and this is very important. Iran’s vision and approach toward its neighbors is based on the idea that the security of Iranians is paramount, while also paying attention to the security of neighbors, unlike some countries that limit security to themselves and ignore or harm other peoples in the region.”

In a statement, al-Araji’s office said the talks also addressed implementing the previous Iraq-Iran security agreement, which focuses on preventing cross-border militant activity, strengthening joint border control, and improving coordination between security forces.

The discussions also covered regional developments, including the situation in Gaza. Al-Araji said the Iraqi government “is working seriously to prevent any security breach aimed at infringing on any neighboring state.” Larijani praised the Iraqi people for their service to pilgrims of Imam Hussein, calling them “brave and generous” and saying the road to Karbala “today bears witness to the generosity of Iraqis.”

While Larijani described the new memorandum as a step forward, al-Araji stressed that fully implementing the existing agreement remains key to securing the Iraq-Iran border.

Iraq and Iran had previously signed a security agreement in Baghdad on March 19, 2023, committing to enhanced cooperation along their shared border. Under that pact, Iraq pledged not to allow militant groups in its Kurdish region to launch cross-border attacks into Iran.