Are Iran And Iraq Friends? Navigating A Complex Middle Eastern Relationship

Ulises Wunsch 21 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, making the question, "Are Iran and Iraq friends?" far more nuanced than a simple yes or no. Their shared borders and intertwined histories have created a dynamic that is constantly evolving, shaped by internal politics, regional ambitions, and global powers.

This article delves into the intricate relationship between Iran and Iraq, exploring the historical animosities, the devastating war that defined a generation, and the dramatic pivot towards cooperation in the post-Saddam era. We will examine the deep-seated influences, strategic alliances, and economic ties that now bind these two nations, while also acknowledging the underlying complexities and challenges that persist.

Table of Contents

A Legacy of Rivalry: The Saddam Era and Its Shadow
The Harrowing War That Changed Everything
The Dawn of a New Millennium: A Shift in Dynamics
- The Fall of Saddam and Shia Dominance
Iranian Influence: A Strategic Corridor and Proxy Networks
- The Axis of Resistance and Its Reach
Economic and Diplomatic Ties: Strengthening Iran and Iraq Relations
- Recent Agreements and Solidarity
The US Factor and Iranian Goals in Iraq
- Driving US Forces Out
Challenges and Complexities in the Relationship
Are Iran and Iraq Friends? A Nuanced Conclusion

A Legacy of Rivalry: The Saddam Era and Its Shadow

To understand the current state of affairs, one must first look back at the deep-seated animosity that characterized much of the 20th century between Iran and Iraq. The roots of this rivalry were often territorial and ideological. A significant flashpoint emerged in 1969 when Saddam Hussein, then Iraq's deputy prime minister, declared, "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 statement underscored a long-standing grievance over the oil-rich province, which Iraq referred to as Arabistan.

Following this declaration, Iraqi radio stations began exclusively broadcasting into Arabistan, actively encouraging Arabs living in Iran, and even Baloch people, to revolt against the Iranian government. This was not an isolated incident but part of a broader strategy by Iraq to destabilize its neighbor. The United States, from 1969 to 1972, viewed Iran as one of its staunchest friends in the Middle East and Iraq as a potentially dangerous opponent. Washington’s close ties to Tehran only widened the gap with Baghdad, further entrenching the rivalry. Iraq's support for international terrorism and its repeated threats against neighboring states, including Iran (where Iraq supported Baluchi and Arab separatists against the Shah) and Kuwait, were cited by U.S. officials to justify various operations, highlighting the volatile nature of the region.

The Harrowing War That Changed Everything

The culmination of this intense rivalry was the devastating Iran-Iraq War (1980-1988), a conflict that remains etched deeply in their collective memory. This brutal eight-year war, initiated by Iraq's invasion of Iran, resulted in millions of casualties and immense destruction on both sides. It was a conflict fueled by territorial disputes, ideological differences following the 1979 Iranian Revolution, and Saddam Hussein's ambition for regional hegemony. The war, often described as a "war of attrition," saw the use of chemical weapons and a complete disregard for human life, leaving a lasting scar on the psyche of both nations.

Despite the immense human cost, the war ultimately ended in a stalemate, with neither side achieving its strategic objectives. However, its legacy profoundly shaped their future relationship. For decades, the memory of the war served as a powerful deterrent to genuine cooperation, fostering an environment of mistrust and suspicion. The very idea of asking, "Are Iran and Iraq friends?" seemed absurd to those who remembered the conflict.

The Dawn of a New Millennium: A Shift in Dynamics

However, the dawn of the new millennium unveiled a dramatic shift in the relationship between Iran and Iraq. This transformation was primarily catalyzed by the 2003 U.S.-led invasion of Iraq and the subsequent fall of Saddam Hussein's regime. The removal of the Sunni-led Ba'athist government fundamentally altered Iraq's political landscape, paving the way for a Shia-majority government to take power.

The Fall of Saddam and Shia Dominance

Since the fall of Saddam Hussein, Iraq's government has been dominated by Shia Muslims, a demographic reality that significantly aligns it with the Islamic Republic of Iran, which is also a Shia-majority nation. This shared religious identity and political orientation have become a cornerstone of their evolving relationship. Iraq has since held close diplomatic and military ties with both Iran and the U.S., navigating a complex balancing act. This newfound alignment has allowed for a level of cooperation that was unimaginable during the Saddam era, prompting many to reconsider the question: "Are Iran and Iraq friends now?"

Iranian Influence: A Strategic Corridor and Proxy Networks

Post-2003, Iran has skillfully leveraged the political vacuum and the rise of Shia power in Iraq to solidify its influence. The Islamic Republic has used these advantages to permeate Iraq’s political, security, economic, and religious spheres. Iran’s support for Shia militias in Iraq, particularly during the fight against ISIS, enabled it to cement its influence in the country. This support allowed Tehran to create a strategic corridor starting from Iran, passing through Iraq and Syria, and reaching Lebanon, effectively establishing a land bridge for its regional power projection.

The Axis of Resistance and Its Reach

Ever since its revolution in 1979, Iran has cultivated a network of proxies and friends throughout the Middle East. For years, this strategy proved successful. Slowly but surely, Tehran’s "Axis of Resistance" gained influence in Iraq, Lebanon, and Syria, where it has consistently railed against Israel and U.S. presence. Iran has invested heavily in this network of proxy allies across the Middle East, including Hamas in Gaza, Hezbollah in Lebanon, the Houthis in Yemen, and the Islamic Resistance in Iraq. The Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) in Iraq, with an estimated 200,000 fighters, remains a formidable entity with significant ties to Tehran. This extensive network of influence is a key factor when assessing the nature of the relationship, and whether Iran and Iraq are friends in a geopolitical sense.

Economic and Diplomatic Ties: Strengthening Iran and Iraq Relations

Beyond military and political influence, the relationship between Iran and Iraq is increasingly characterized by robust economic and diplomatic ties. Trade between the two nations has flourished, with Iran becoming a major supplier of goods, energy, and services to Iraq. This economic interdependence further deepens their bond, creating shared interests that transcend historical grievances. Strengthening Iran and Iraq relations is a stated goal for both governments, driven by mutual economic benefit and regional stability.

Recent Agreements and Solidarity

Recent high-level visits underscore this growing cooperation. Iran's new president, Masoud Pezeshkian, for instance, announced that over a dozen agreements were signed with Iraq during his recent visit to the neighboring country. These agreements span various sectors, including energy, trade, and infrastructure, indicating a concerted effort to deepen bilateral cooperation. Furthermore, Iraq has expressed solidarity with Tehran, viewing Israel's strikes as unwarranted aggression, demonstrating a shared regional perspective on certain geopolitical issues. This diplomatic alignment suggests a level of friendship and mutual support that was absent in previous decades.

The US Factor and Iranian Goals in Iraq

The presence of U.S. forces in Iraq remains a significant point of contention and a key driver of Iran's strategy in the region. Iran views the U.S. military presence as a threat to its national security and regional ambitions. Consequently, one of Iran’s primary goals is driving U.S. forces out of Iraq and the region at large. This objective often aligns with the sentiments of certain Iraqi political factions and militias, further complicating Baghdad's relationship with Washington.

Driving US Forces Out

The Islamic Resistance in Iraq, a collection of Iran-backed groups, has frequently targeted U.S. interests and personnel in Iraq, aiming to pressure Washington into withdrawing its troops. While Iraq's government maintains diplomatic and military ties with the U.S., these attacks on Iraqi soil, often attributed to Iran-backed groups, create a delicate balance. The dynamic illustrates how Iran leverages its influence within Iraq to achieve its broader regional objectives, including diminishing U.S. power. This strategic convergence on the issue of U.S. presence further blurs the lines when asking, "Are Iran and Iraq friends?" as their shared objective against a common external actor fosters a form of alliance.

Challenges and Complexities in the Relationship

Despite the significant strides towards cooperation, the relationship between Iran and Iraq is not without its challenges and complexities. While a shared Shia identity forms a strong bond, Iraqi nationalism and sovereignty remain important considerations. There are segments within Iraq that view Iran's extensive influence with apprehension, fearing that it undermines Iraqi independence. Recent attacks on Iraqi soil, even if attributed to proxies, can strain diplomatic relations and ignite internal tensions within Iraq.

Moreover, regional dynamics continue to shape their interactions. While Iraq has expressed solidarity with Iran against certain external aggressions, it also seeks to maintain balanced relations with other Arab states and global powers. The issue of Kurdish opposition groups based in Iraq, which are barred from operating on Iranian soil, also presents a persistent, albeit minor, point of friction. These complexities mean that while cooperation is extensive, the relationship is a pragmatic one, driven by shared interests and a common geopolitical neighborhood, rather than an unreserved friendship.

Are Iran and Iraq Friends? A Nuanced Conclusion

So, are Iran and Iraq friends? The answer is complex and goes beyond a simple binary. While the harrowing experiences of the 1980s war are etched deeply in their collective memory, the post-Saddam era has ushered in a period of surprising collaboration and deepening ties. The shared Shia identity, Iran's strategic investments in a network of allies, and mutual economic interests have fostered a relationship that is, at its core, a strategic alliance.

Iraq, whose government has been dominated by Shia Muslims since the fall of Saddam Hussein, has indeed held close diplomatic and military ties with Iran. This has allowed for a significant strengthening of Iran and Iraq relations, marked by numerous agreements and a shared stance on many regional issues. However, it's a relationship built on pragmatism and necessity as much as genuine camaraderie. There are still underlying tensions and national interests that can diverge. Therefore, while not traditional "friends" in the Western sense, Iran and Iraq are undeniably close strategic partners, bound by shared history, common threats, and intertwined destinies in the volatile Middle East.

What are your thoughts on the evolving relationship between these two powerful nations? Do you see their bond strengthening further, or will historical and regional complexities limit their cooperation? Share your perspectives in the comments below!

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