The ‘Deepening’ of Strategic Partnership between Iraq and Iran

The ‘Deepening’ of Strategic Partnership between Iraq and Iran
Assist. Prof. Bayram Sinkaya, ORSAM Advisor and Yıldırım Beyazıt University

This policy brief addresses implications of major developments that took place in 2014 for the bilateral relations between Baghdad and Tehran, including the parliamentary elections, the seizure of Mosul by ISIS, and the formation of new government in Iraq. Iran closely follows developments in Iraq because of its national security concerns and its regional strategies. In order to preserve its interests in Iraq, Iranian government adopted a cautious approach throughout the elections, played a critical role in the formation of Abadi government, and provided comprehensive military support to Iraq in its struggle against ISIS. Iran’s political support to Abadi for the formation of the new government facilitated the preservation of Iranian interests in Iraq and strategic relations between Baghdad and Tehran. The comprehensive military support of Iran that was extended to Iraq to boost its struggle against ISIS led to the widening of military cooperation between the two countries. It is argued that major developments throughout 2014 furthered Iranian influence in Iraq, and culminated in the ‘deepening’ of strategic partnership between the two countries.

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23 December 2014