**The relationship between Iraq and Iran is a tapestry woven with threads of deep historical rivalry, shared religious heritage, and evolving geopolitical interests.** For centuries, these two nations, separated by the Shatt al-Arab waterway and a long land border, have navigated a complex dance of conflict and cooperation. Understanding whether Iraq and Iran are truly "friends" requires a nuanced look beyond simple labels, delving into their past animosities, the profound shifts post-2003, and the intricate web of regional power dynamics that continue to shape their interactions. This article will explore the multifaceted nature of their bond, drawing on key historical moments and contemporary realities to illuminate the answer. 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. The harrowing experiences of the 1980s war are etched deeply in their collective memory, yet the dawn of the new millennium unveiled a dramatically altered dynamic, forcing both nations to redefine their engagement. *** **Table of Contents** * [Historical Context: A Legacy of Conflict and Rivalry](#historical-context-a-legacy-of-conflict-and-rivalry) * [Pre-1979 Dynamics: US Perspectives and Border Disputes](#pre-1979-dynamics-us-perspectives-and-border-disputes) * [Saddam Hussein's Era: Territorial Claims and Separatist Support](#saddam-husseins-era-territorial-claims-and-separatist-support) * [The Iran-Iraq War: A Scarred Generation](#the-iran-iraq-war-a-scarred-generation) * [The Post-2003 Landscape: A New Chapter of Influence](#the-post-2003-landscape-a-new-chapter-of-influence) * [Shia Dominance in Iraq and Iran's Strategic Penetration](#shia-dominance-in-iraq-and-irans-strategic-penetration) * [Cultivating the "Axis of Resistance"](#cultivating-the-axis-of-resistance) * [Iran's Proxy Network and Regional Ambitions](#irans-proxy-network-and-regional-ambitions) * [Key Proxy Allies and Their Role](#key-proxy-allies-and-their-role) * [The Formidable PMF and Driving Out US Forces](#the-formidable-pmf-and-driving-out-us-forces) * [Iraq's Delicate Balancing Act](#iraqs-delicate-balancing-act) * [Maintaining Ties with Both Iran and the US](#maintaining-ties-with-both-iran-and-the-us) * [Solidarity with Tehran Amidst Regional Tensions](#solidarity-with-tehran-amidst-regional-tensions) * [External Perceptions and Regional Dynamics](#external-perceptions-and-regional-dynamics) * [Arab Nations' Stance and Boycotts](#arab-nations-stance-and-boycotts) * [The US Mission in Iraq: A Focus on Iran](#the-us-mission-in-iraq-a-focus-on-iran) * [Kurdish Opposition Groups and Border Sensitivities](#kurdish-opposition-groups-and-border-sensitivities) * [The Strategic Corridor: A Path to Regional Power](#the-strategic-corridor-a-path-to-regional-power) * [Solidifying Influence Through Shia Militias](#solidifying-influence-through-shia-militias) * [The Corridor's Geopolitical Significance](#the-corridors-geopolitical-significance) * [Challenges and Future Outlook](#challenges-and-future-outlook) * [Internal Divisions and External Pressures](#internal-divisions-and-external-pressures) * [The Role of Regional Stability](#the-role-of-regional-stability) * [Evolving Geopolitical Chessboard](#evolving-geopolitical-chessboard) * [Conclusion](#conclusion) *** ## Historical Context: A Legacy of Conflict and Rivalry To understand the current state of affairs between Iraq and Iran, one must first acknowledge the deep historical roots of their rivalry. Their relationship has rarely been one of unadulterated friendship, marked instead by territorial disputes, ideological clashes, and proxy conflicts that have shaped the broader Middle East. ### Pre-1979 Dynamics: US Perspectives and Border Disputes Before the Iranian Revolution of 1979, the geopolitical alignment in the Middle East was markedly different. From 1969 to 1972, the United States viewed Iran as one of its staunchest friends in the Middle East and Iraq as a potentially dangerous opponent. This strategic alignment meant that since Iran and Iraq were rivals, Washington’s close ties to Tehran only widened the gap with Baghdad. This era was characterized by Iraq’s attempts to assert its regional dominance, often at Iran’s expense, and vice-versa. The two nations were locked in a zero-sum game, with external powers frequently exacerbating their tensions. ### Saddam Hussein's Era: Territorial Claims and Separatist Support The animosity intensified significantly under Saddam Hussein's regime in Iraq. In 1969, Saddam Hussein, Iraq's deputy prime minister, 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 declaration, referring to the oil-rich southwestern Iranian province also known as Arabistan, was a clear irredentist claim that deeply inflamed bilateral relations. Soon, Iraqi radio stations began exclusively broadcasting into Arabistan, encouraging Arabs living in Iran and even Baloch people to revolt. This active support for separatist movements within Iran was not a one-off incident. To justify later operations, U.S. officials cited 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. This historical context demonstrates a consistent pattern of Iraq attempting to destabilize Iran by leveraging internal ethnic divisions, a tactic that Iran would later mirror in Iraq. ### The Iran-Iraq War: A Scarred Generation The culmination of these historical grievances and escalating tensions was the devastating Iran-Iraq War (1980-1988). The harrowing experiences of the 1980s war are etched deeply in their collective memory. This brutal conflict, which lasted eight years and claimed an estimated one million lives, left both nations economically crippled and psychologically scarred. It was a war of attrition, marked by chemical weapons use, human wave attacks, and a profound sense of betrayal and animosity. For a generation, the idea of Iraq and Iran being friends was unthinkable, as the war cemented a narrative of existential threat and deep-seated hatred. The conflict underscored the profound ideological and territorial chasm that existed, making any future rapprochement seem highly improbable. ## The Post-2003 Landscape: A New Chapter of Influence The fall of Saddam Hussein's regime in 2003 marked a seismic shift in the geopolitical landscape of the Middle East, fundamentally altering the relationship between Iraq and Iran. This event removed the primary ideological and political barrier that had long separated the two nations, opening the door for a new, albeit complex, form of engagement. ### Shia Dominance in Iraq and Iran's Strategic Penetration With the removal of Saddam's Sunni-led Ba'athist government, Iraq's political structure underwent a dramatic transformation. Iraq, whose government has been dominated by Shia Muslims since the fall of Saddam Hussein, found a new, albeit cautious, alignment with its predominantly Shia neighbor. This shared religious identity became a powerful bridge, allowing Iran to exert significant influence in post-Saddam Iraq. The Islamic Republic has used these advantages to permeate Iraq’s political, security, economic, and religious spheres. This penetration wasn't accidental; it was a deliberate strategy by Tehran to secure its western flank, extend its regional reach, and counter perceived threats. Through various means, including financial aid, political lobbying, cultural exchange, and military training, Iran meticulously built a network of allies and sympathizers within Iraq's nascent political system and security apparatus. This allowed Iran to establish a deep and pervasive presence, far beyond what was imaginable during Saddam's rule. ### Cultivating the "Axis of Resistance" 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 railed against Israel and the United States. This "axis" is not merely a collection of allied states but a sophisticated network of non-state actors, political parties, and paramilitary groups that share Iran's ideological goals and strategic objectives. In Iraq, this meant fostering relationships with various Shia political factions and armed groups, many of whom had been exiled in Iran during Saddam's era. These groups, upon returning to Iraq, became instrumental in shaping the country's new political order and security landscape, often with Iranian backing. This long-term investment allowed Iran to secure a significant degree of leverage, transforming Iraq from a historical adversary into a crucial component of its regional strategy. The complex interplay of religious affinity, historical grievances against common enemies, and strategic imperatives has forged a bond that, while not always smooth, is undeniably strong and deeply entrenched. ## Iran's Proxy Network and Regional Ambitions Iran's foreign policy is heavily reliant on a strategy of cultivating and supporting non-state actors across the Middle East. This network of proxy allies serves multiple purposes: projecting power, deterring adversaries, and extending Tehran's influence without direct military confrontation. Iraq has become a central theater for this strategy, complicating the question of whether Iraq and Iran are friends or if Iraq is merely a vessel for Iranian regional ambitions. ### Key Proxy Allies and Their Role Iran has invested heavily in a 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. These groups, while distinct in their local contexts, share an overarching ideological alignment with Tehran and often receive financial, military, and logistical support. In Iraq, the "Islamic Resistance" refers to a constellation of powerful Shia militias, many of which are formally part of the Iraqi state's security apparatus but maintain strong ideological and operational ties to Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). These groups play a crucial role in advancing Iran's interests, particularly in maintaining a strategic corridor and countering the presence of rival powers. Their existence and influence mean that Iran's reach extends far beyond its borders, creating a complex web of alliances and dependencies that shape regional dynamics. ### The Formidable PMF and Driving Out US Forces A significant component of Iran's influence in Iraq is through the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), or Hashd al-Shaabi. The PMF in Iraq, with an estimated 200,000 fighters, remains formidable. Formed in 2014 to combat ISIS, many of its constituent groups have long-standing ties to Iran. While officially integrated into the Iraqi security forces, their loyalty is often seen as divided, with significant allegiance directed towards Iran and its supreme leader. This duality creates a powerful leverage point for Tehran within Iraq's security establishment. Iran’s second goal is driving U.S. forces out of Iraq and the region at large. The presence of U.S. troops is viewed by Tehran as a direct threat to its security and regional aspirations. Iranian-backed militias in Iraq frequently target U.S. interests and personnel, pressuring Baghdad to expel foreign forces. This call for the expulsion of U.S. forces in Iraq was renewed in a statement issued Thursday by Kataib Hezbollah and circulated across social media in response to the Israeli attacks on Iran. This demonstrates how Iranian-backed groups in Iraq act in concert with Iran's broader strategic objectives, further blurring the lines between Iraqi sovereignty and Iranian influence. The significant power wielded by these groups means that Iraq's policy decisions, particularly concerning its foreign relations and security posture, are often heavily influenced by Iranian interests. ## Iraq's Delicate Balancing Act Caught between its powerful neighbor Iran and its crucial international partners, particularly the United States, Iraq finds itself in a precarious position. The question of whether Iraq and Iran are friends becomes even more intricate when considering Baghdad's need to balance competing loyalties and strategic imperatives. ### Maintaining Ties with Both Iran and the US Iraq, whose government has been dominated by Shia Muslims since the fall of Saddam Hussein, has held close diplomatic and military ties with both Iran and the U.S. This is a testament to Iraq's complex geopolitical reality. On one hand, historical, religious, and economic ties bind Iraq closely to Iran. On the other hand, the U.S. played a pivotal role in overthrowing Saddam Hussein and has been a significant partner in Iraq's reconstruction, security, and fight against terrorism. Baghdad relies on U.S. military support, intelligence sharing, and economic aid, while also benefiting from trade and religious tourism with Iran. This dual relationship is often fraught with tension, particularly when U.S.-Iran relations deteriorate. Recent attacks on Iraqi soil, often attributed to Iranian-backed groups targeting U.S. interests, further complicate this balance, putting the Iraqi government in an unenviable position of mediating between two powerful, often adversarial, allies. The Iraqi leadership must constantly navigate these competing pressures to maintain internal stability and protect its national interests. ### Solidarity with Tehran Amidst Regional Tensions Despite the challenges, there are clear instances where Iraq leans towards solidarity with Iran, particularly in moments of heightened regional tension. Iran's president and Iraq's PM (image, Reuters) show a visible effort to strengthen Iran and Iraq relations. Iraq has expressed solidarity with Tehran, viewing Israel's strikes as unwarranted aggression. This stance is not merely symbolic; it reflects a deeper alignment on certain regional issues, particularly those concerning Israeli and U.S. actions in the Middle East. This solidarity underscores the ideological and strategic convergence that has developed between the two nations since 2003. While Iraq strives to maintain its sovereignty and avoid being drawn into direct conflict, its government often finds itself echoing Iranian positions on issues perceived as threats to regional stability or Islamic nations. This shared perspective, particularly concerning external interventions, suggests a level of friendship and mutual understanding that transcends mere transactional diplomacy, albeit one that is heavily influenced by Iran's pervasive presence within Iraq. ## External Perceptions and Regional Dynamics The relationship between Iraq and Iran is not observed in isolation; it is constantly scrutinized and influenced by other regional and international actors. These external perceptions often shape the narrative of whether Iraq and Iran are friends, highlighting the geopolitical complexities at play. ### Arab Nations' Stance and Boycotts Many Arab nations—particularly the Gulf states—have not made much effort to support Iraq since 2003, and have viewed Iran’s influence in Iraq as a reason to boycott Iraq rather than compete with Iran. This stance has left Iraq feeling isolated within the Arab world, pushing it further into Iran's orbit. The fear among Sunni Arab states is that a Shia-dominated Iraq, heavily influenced by Iran, could become a launching pad for Iranian regional expansion, destabilizing the existing balance of power. This lack of engagement from traditional Arab allies has inadvertently strengthened Iran's hand in Iraq. Without significant economic or political alternatives from its Arab neighbors, Iraq has found itself increasingly reliant on Iran, both as a trading partner and a regional ally. This dynamic reinforces the perception that Iraq is becoming a client state of Iran, rather than an independent sovereign entity, complicating any assessment of their "friendship." ### The US Mission in Iraq: A Focus on Iran The United States, a key player in Iraq since 2003, has also viewed the evolving Iraq-Iran relationship with concern. That strike, in addition to violating international law, reinforced the notion that the U.S. mission in Iraq was focused on Iran and little else. This perception, often fueled by U.S. military actions against Iranian-backed groups on Iraqi soil, has created resentment among some Iraqis who feel their country is being used as a battleground for U.S.-Iran proxy wars. The U.S. focus on countering Iranian influence in Iraq has, paradoxically, sometimes pushed Baghdad closer to Tehran. When Washington's actions are perceived as undermining Iraqi sovereignty or targeting Iraqi groups (even those with Iranian ties), it can lead to a nationalist backlash that benefits Iran. This complex interplay highlights how external actors, by attempting to counter Iran's influence, sometimes inadvertently solidify it. ### Kurdish Opposition Groups and Border Sensitivities Meanwhile, a handful of Kurdish opposition groups that are barred from operating on Iranian soil are based in Iraq's semi-autonomous Kurdistan Region. These groups, which advocate for Kurdish rights in Iran, occasionally launch cross-border attacks, leading to retaliatory strikes by Iran on Iraqi territory. This situation adds another layer of complexity to the Iraq-Iran relationship. While Baghdad officially condemns such attacks and seeks to control its borders, the presence of these groups provides Iran with a pretext for military action within Iraq, infringing on its sovereignty. This issue underscores the delicate balance Iraq must maintain. While it seeks to be a good neighbor to Iran, it also struggles to control all its territory and prevent its soil from being used by groups hostile to its powerful neighbor. The presence of these Kurdish groups, and Iran's responses, serve as a constant reminder of the unresolved border and security issues that continue to challenge the notion of a purely friendly relationship between Iraq and Iran. ## The Strategic Corridor: A Path to Regional Power One of the most significant manifestations of Iran's influence in Iraq, and a key factor in understanding the nature of their relationship, is the establishment of a strategic land corridor. This corridor is central to Iran's broader regional strategy and significantly impacts Iraq's sovereignty and geopolitical standing. ### Solidifying Influence Through Shia Militias 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 the Mediterranean coast. This support has been multifaceted, including financial aid, weapons, training, and ideological guidance. These militias, many of which are now formally part of the Iraqi state's Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), have become powerful non-state actors that operate with a degree of autonomy, often prioritizing Iranian interests. By empowering these groups, Iran has effectively created a reliable network of allies that can secure key routes and strategic locations within Iraq. This deep penetration into Iraq's security and political fabric means that Iran can exert influence not just through diplomatic channels, but also through armed groups that control territory and wield significant political power. This level of control is far beyond what one would expect in a simple "friendship" between two sovereign nations; it suggests a patron-client relationship where Iran holds significant sway. ### The Corridor's Geopolitical Significance The strategic corridor passing through Iraq and Syria is a vital artery for Iran's "Axis of Resistance." It allows for the seamless transfer of weapons, personnel, and resources to Iran's allies in Syria (such as the Assad regime) and Lebanon (Hezbollah). This land bridge circumvents potential air or sea blockades and provides Iran with a direct logistical link to its most critical regional proxies. The fall of former Syrian President Bashar Assad’s regime and weakening of the Iranian-backed forces would severely disrupt this corridor, highlighting its strategic importance to Tehran. For Iraq, being a part of this corridor means being inextricably linked to Iran's regional ambitions and conflicts. While it provides Iraq with a degree of regional relevance and potential economic benefits from transit, it also exposes the country to external pressures and makes it a target for those who seek to disrupt Iran's influence. The existence and operationalization of this corridor signify a deep, structural relationship where Iraq's geopolitical space is integral to Iran's strategic depth, making the concept of "friendship" more akin to a strategic alignment dictated by Iran's broader regional agenda. ## Challenges and Future Outlook The relationship between Iraq and Iran, while having evolved significantly from outright hostility to a complex interdependence, is far from a simple friendship. It faces numerous internal and external challenges that will continue to shape its trajectory. ### Internal Divisions and External Pressures Iraq remains a country grappling with its own internal divisions—sectarian, ethnic, and political. While the Shia-dominated government aligns more closely with Iran, significant segments of the Iraqi population, including many Sunnis and even some Shias, view Iran's pervasive influence with suspicion or resentment. They see it as an infringement on Iraqi sovereignty and a barrier to true national independence. These internal fissures mean that Iraq's policy towards Iran is often a reflection of a delicate balancing act between competing domestic interests and external pressures. Furthermore, the continued presence of U.S. forces and the ongoing regional rivalry between Iran and its adversaries (such as Israel and Saudi Arabia) ensure that Iraq remains a battleground for proxy conflicts. These external pressures force Iraq to constantly navigate between its desire for stability and its strategic alignment, making it difficult to forge a consistently "friendly" relationship with any single power without alienating others. ### The Role of Regional Stability The future of Iraq and Iran's relationship is also intrinsically linked to the broader regional stability. Any significant shift in the balance of power, such as the weakening of the Iranian regime or a major regional conflict, would undoubtedly reverberate through their bilateral ties. The ongoing conflicts in Syria and Yemen, where Iran maintains strong influence, continue to impact the regional security landscape and, by extension, the dynamics between Iraq and Iran. The Houthis have similarly sized contingent of fighters in Yemen, mirroring the PMF's role in Iraq, demonstrating the interconnectedness of Iran's regional strategy. Should regional tensions escalate, Iraq risks being drawn deeper into Iran's "axis of resistance," potentially sacrificing its own national interests for broader Iranian strategic goals. Conversely, a de-escalation of regional conflicts could provide Iraq with more breathing room to assert its sovereignty and diversify its foreign relations. ### Evolving Geopolitical Chessboard The relationship between Iraq and Iran is a dynamic one, constantly evolving on the geopolitical chessboard. While the shared Shia identity and the common experience of resisting U.S. influence provide a basis for cooperation, the underlying power imbalance and Iran's clear strategic objectives mean that Iraq often finds itself in a subordinate position. The question of whether Iraq and Iran are friends is therefore best answered by acknowledging that their relationship is a pragmatic alliance, driven by mutual interests but heavily skewed by Iran's regional ambitions and Iraq's internal vulnerabilities. The long-term trajectory will depend on Iraq's ability to consolidate its sovereignty, diversify its alliances, and manage its internal divisions. For Iran, the relationship with Iraq will remain crucial for its regional power projection and security strategy. As such, while direct conflict seems unlikely given their current interdependence, a truly equal and unburdened "friendship" remains a distant prospect, overshadowed by historical grievances and ongoing geopolitical maneuvering. ## Conclusion The question of "are Iraq and Iran friends?" does not yield a simple yes or no answer. Instead, it reveals a relationship of profound complexity, marked by a dramatic transformation from bitter enemies to strategic partners, albeit with a significant power imbalance. The harrowing experiences of the 1980s war are etched deeply in their collective memory, yet the post-2003 era ushered in a new chapter, where a Shia-dominated Iraq found itself increasingly intertwined with its powerful neighbor. Iran has leveraged shared religious ties and its extensive network of proxies, including the formidable PMF, to solidify its influence across Iraq's political, security, and economic spheres. This has allowed Tehran to establish a vital strategic corridor, extending its "axis of resistance" from Iran through Iraq and Syria. While Iraq has expressed solidarity with Tehran on certain regional issues, its government constantly navigates a delicate balancing act, maintaining ties with both Iran and the U.S. amidst ongoing regional tensions and external pressures. Ultimately, the relationship between Iraq and Iran is best characterized as a pragmatic and deeply entrenched strategic alignment rather than a simple friendship. It is a bond born out of necessity and shared interests, yet one that is continually challenged by historical grievances, internal Iraqi divisions, and Iran's overarching regional ambitions. For readers interested in the intricate dynamics of Middle Eastern geopolitics, understanding this nuanced relationship is crucial. What are your thoughts on the future of Iraq and Iran's relationship? Do you believe Iraq can truly assert its sovereignty amidst such strong Iranian influence? Share your perspectives in the comments below, and explore our other articles on Middle Eastern affairs for more in-depth analysis.
