Iran-Iraq Relations: A Complex Dance Of Rivalry & Cooperation

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, a dynamic that continues to shape regional stability and power balances. This intricate connection, officially known as Iran–Iraq relations (Persian: روابط ایران و عراق, romanized: Ravâbete Irân va Arâq; Arabic: العلاقات العراقية الإيرانية, romanized: Al-ilaqat Al-Iraqiya Al-Iraniya), encompasses the diplomatic and foreign relations between these two sovereign states.

For decades, the bilateral relations between Iraq and Iran have been marked by conflict and tension, both historically and up to the present day. However, recent developments suggest a nuanced evolution, where shared interests, particularly in security and economic cooperation, are increasingly coming to the forefront. Understanding the historical grievances, the pivotal moments of conflict, and the evolving geopolitical pressures is crucial to grasping the current state and future trajectory of this vital relationship.

Historical Roots of a Volatile Relationship

The historical tapestry of Iran-Iraq relations is woven with threads of shared culture, religion, and geography, yet it is often dominated by patterns of rivalry and conflict. The border between the two nations, particularly the Shatt al-Arab waterway (Arvand Rud in Persian), has been a perennial source of contention. Beyond territorial disputes, ideological differences and regional power ambitions have consistently fueled tensions. The Iranian Revolution in 1979 marked a significant turning point, reshaping the geopolitical landscape and intensifying the ideological fault lines between the revolutionary Islamic Republic and Ba'athist Iraq.

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The Shadow of the Iran-Iraq War (1980-1988)

The most devastating chapter in Iran-Iraq relations is undoubtedly the eight-year war that began in September 1980. Amid Iranian turmoil following its revolution, Iraq invaded the country, seeking to capitalize on Iran's internal disarray and assert its regional dominance. Saddam Hussein, then Iraq's deputy prime minister, had earlier in 1969 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." Soon after, Iraqi radio stations began exclusively broadcasting into Arabistan (Khuzestan), encouraging Arabs living in Iran and even Baloch people to revolt, laying bare the deep-seated territorial and ethnic grievances that contributed to the conflict's outbreak. This brutal war, characterized by trench warfare, chemical weapons, and immense casualties on both sides, profoundly scarred both nations and cemented a legacy of mistrust. Interestingly, throughout the war, Israel provided clandestine support to Iran, viewing Iraq as a more serious threat than Iran, highlighting the complex and often counter-intuitive alliances that can emerge in regional conflicts.

Saddam Hussein's Era and Regional Ambitions

Prior to the war, Iraq's political trajectory had also contributed to the escalating tensions. Successive military coups in Iraq led to the takeover by the Ba’ath party in 1968 and Hussein’s gradual ascent to power. His regime harbored strong pan-Arab nationalist ambitions, often clashing with Iran's revolutionary Shi'a ideology. Saddam's desire for regional hegemony and control over vital waterways like the Shatt al-Arab were direct challenges to Iranian interests, setting the stage for the devastating conflict and ensuring that Iran-Iraq relations remained fraught with danger throughout his rule. The ideological chasm and historical grievances ensured that even after the war, a deep-seated animosity persisted, shaping the interactions between the two states for decades.

The Post-2003 Landscape: A New Dynamic

The U.S. invasion of Iraq in 2003 to overthrow Saddam Hussein’s regime fundamentally reshaped Iran-Iraq relations. With the removal of a hostile, Sunni-dominated government on its western flank, Iran found a strategic vacuum that it quickly moved to fill. This period marked a significant pivot from overt conflict to a complex web of influence and, at times, surprising collaboration. Iran has been deeply involved in Iraqi politics since the fall of Saddam Hussein’s regime in 2003, leveraging historical, religious, and political ties to solidify its position.

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Iran's Deepening Involvement in Iraqi Politics

Post-2003, Iran's influence in Iraq grew exponentially. The new political order in Iraq, with its Shi'a-majority government, naturally aligned more closely with Iran's Shi'a-dominated revolutionary system. More than a dozen Iraqi political parties have ties to Iran, which funds and trains many of them. This deep penetration into Iraq's political fabric allowed Tehran to exert significant leverage over Iraqi decision-making, particularly on issues related to regional security and foreign policy. This involvement, while seen by some as necessary support for a fledgling democracy, was viewed by others as an encroachment on Iraqi sovereignty, contributing to the complex and often unequal nature of Iran-Iraq relations.

The Rise of Iranian Influence and the Shi'a Corridor

A key strategic objective for Iran has been the establishment of a "Shi'a corridor" or "land bridge" connecting Iran, through Iraq and Syria, to Hezbollah in Lebanon. Iran’s support for Shi'a militias in Iraq enabled it to solidify its influence in the country and allowed Tehran to create this strategic corridor. This route is vital for Iran's ability to project power and support its allies across the Levant, significantly enhancing its regional strategic depth. This growing influence, however, has also been a source of concern for other regional powers and the United States, who view it as a destabilizing factor and a direct challenge to their own interests in the Middle East.

The ISIS Conflict: A Catalyst for Hegemony

The emergence and rapid expansion of the Islamic State (ISIS) in Iraq from 2014 until 2017 proved to be a pivotal moment for Iran-Iraq relations. The fall of Mosul to the jihadi group and the collapse of much of the Iraqi army created an existential conflict for Iraq. In this moment of crisis, Iran was quick to offer support, deploying military advisors and backing Shi'a militias (many of which it already supported) to fight ISIS. This assistance was crucial in turning the tide against the extremist group. However, it also served to consolidate Iran's hegemonic control over Iraq. By providing critical military and logistical support when Iraq's traditional allies, including the US, were slower to respond, Iran cemented its position as an indispensable partner, further embedding its influence within Iraq's security apparatus and political landscape.

Shifting Alliances and Regional Geopolitics

The broader Middle Eastern geopolitical landscape is in constant flux, and Iran-Iraq relations are inextricably linked to these shifts. The rise of new regional challenges, such as the ongoing conflict in Yemen, the Syrian civil war, and the Abraham Accords, have led to reconfigurations of alliances. Notably, Arab states that once opposed Iran now condemn Israel’s June 13 strikes, reflecting shifting alliances and fears of regional escalation. This dynamic creates both opportunities and challenges for Iran and Iraq. While some regional actors might view Iraq as a potential buffer or a battleground for proxy conflicts, Iraq itself seeks to balance its relationships and avoid being drawn into larger regional confrontations. The enduring presence of the United States in the region also plays a crucial role; without a determined U.S. effort to counterbalance the Iranian presence, Iran will remain the most influential outside power in Iraq, perpetuating the complex power dynamics.

Economic Ties and US Sanctions

Beyond politics and security, economic ties form a significant, albeit often contentious, aspect of Iran-Iraq relations. Iraq, heavily reliant on Iranian energy, has historically received waivers from U.S. sanctions to import electricity and natural gas from Iran. However, these waivers are a point of leverage for the United States. For instance, on March 8, the United States allowed a waiver to expire that had permitted Iraq to buy Iranian electricity. This move was the latest in the Trump administration’s “maximum pressure” campaign to cut off Iran’s revenue streams and push Tehran to negotiate over its controversial nuclear program. The waiver dates back to President Trump’s first term, initiated after he withdrew the U.S. from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) in 2018. Such actions highlight Iraq's delicate balancing act between its economic needs and its relationship with the U.S., further complicating its ability to fully normalize its Iran-Iraq relations.

Recent Diplomatic Overtures and Security Pacts

Despite the historical tensions and ongoing complexities, there have been notable efforts to enhance cooperation and stability in Iran-Iraq relations. In March 2023, Iran and Iraq signed a security pact in which both nations committed to safeguarding their borders and increasing cooperation in security and intelligence. This pact signifies a mutual recognition of the need for stability, particularly in border regions often used by various non-state actors. More recently, in a phone conversation, President Pezeshkian of Iran highlighted the importance of strengthening ties with Iraq, emphasizing the nation as a friendly and brotherly neighbor. This dialogue comes at a pivotal moment as both countries seek to enhance cooperation and promote regional welfare. These diplomatic overtures, while not erasing historical grievances or power imbalances, indicate a pragmatic approach towards managing their shared borders and fostering a more cooperative environment.

The Enduring Complexity and Future Outlook

The intricate nature of Iran-Iraq relations ensures that their future trajectory will remain complex. While the two nations share a long border, religious ties, and a common interest in regional stability, underlying tensions persist. The question of Iranian hegemony in Iraq remains a central point of debate, with some analysts suggesting that Iran may be losing its grip on Iraq, too, as Iraqi nationalism and a desire for greater sovereignty grow. The presence of various armed groups with ties to Iran, the ongoing economic challenges in Iraq, and the persistent influence of external powers like the United States continue to shape this relationship. The potential for regional escalation, particularly if the US were to intervene and openly support Israel, and launch strikes deep into Iran—whether through aircraft, missiles, spies, or drones—could lead to Iran targeting American interests and citizens, whether in Iraq or in neighboring regions near the republic’s geographical borders. This underscores the fragility of the current peace and the high stakes involved in managing these delicate Iran-Iraq relations.

Navigating the Future: Challenges and Opportunities

Looking ahead, Iran and Iraq face a dual challenge: addressing the lingering effects of past conflicts while forging a path toward mutual benefit. Opportunities for cooperation exist in areas such as energy, trade, and regional security, particularly concerning counter-terrorism efforts and border management. However, the inherent inequality in their relationship, where Iran often exerts significant influence, will continue to be a point of friction. Iraq's efforts to diversify its foreign policy and reduce its dependence on any single regional power will be crucial. For Iran, a more balanced approach that respects Iraqi sovereignty while maintaining strategic ties could lead to greater long-term stability. The future of Iran-Iraq relations will largely depend on the ability of both nations to navigate these complexities, manage external pressures, and prioritize their shared interests over historical grievances or hegemonic ambitions. It is a relationship that will undoubtedly continue to be a cornerstone of Middle Eastern geopolitics, demanding careful attention and strategic foresight from all involved.

The journey of Iran-Iraq relations from bitter adversaries to complex partners is a testament to the ever-changing nature of international diplomacy. While challenges remain, the increasing focus on cooperation, as evidenced by recent security pacts and high-level dialogues, offers a glimmer of hope for a more stable and prosperous future for both nations and the broader region.

What are your thoughts on the evolving dynamics between Iran and Iraq? Do you believe their cooperation will outweigh their historical rivalries in the long run? Share your perspectives in the comments below, or explore more of our articles on Middle Eastern geopolitics to deepen your understanding of this critical region.