Iraq & Iran: Navigating A Complex, Intertwined Relationship
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 "does Iraq and Iran get along?" far from simple. It's a dynamic interplay shaped by shared history, religious ties, bitter conflicts, and evolving regional power struggles.
To truly understand the current state of affairs between these two influential neighbors, one must delve into the layers of their past and present interactions. From devastating wars to crucial economic partnerships and deep cultural connections, the narrative of Iraq and Iran is one of profound interdependence, often marked by strategic maneuvering and sometimes, surprising alignment.
Table of Contents
- Historical Roots of Discord: A Legacy of Conflict
- The Ba'athist Era and Hussein's Ascent
- Post-2003 Iraq: A New Chapter and Shifting Sands
- Iran's Deepening Influence in Iraq
- The Geopolitical Chessboard: Regional Dynamics and External Pressures
- Energy Interdependence and Challenges
- Border Porosity and Security Concerns
- Military and Nuclear Cooperation
- Cultural and Religious Ties: The Unifying Threads
- The Path Forward: Navigating Future Relations
- External Influences and Regional Stability
- Iraq's Balancing Act
- Conclusion: A Future Forged in Interdependence
Historical Roots of Discord: A Legacy of Conflict
The relationship between Iraq and Iran, though deeply intertwined by history, culture, and religion, has been punctuated by periods of intense animosity. The most harrowing experience etched deeply in their collective memory is undoubtedly the 1980s war, a brutal eight-year conflict that claimed millions of lives and devastated both nations. This war, often referred to as the First Persian Gulf War, was largely sparked by territorial disputes, ideological differences, and Saddam Hussein's ambition for regional dominance.
A key flashpoint was the Shatt al-Arab waterway, a crucial shipping lane formed by the confluence of the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, which serves as the border between the two countries for part of its length. Control over this waterway has been a source of contention for centuries. Before the war, a 1975 Algiers Accord had delineated the border along the thalweg (deepest point) of the Shatt al-Arab, granting both nations shared access. However, Saddam Hussein abrogated this treaty just days before invading Iran in 1980, claiming full sovereignty over the waterway. This gave Iraq control of most of the waterway and required Iran to pay tolls whenever its ships used it, a move that further fueled Iranian resentment and contributed to the outbreak of hostilities.
The war itself was a catastrophic affair, marked by trench warfare, chemical weapons, and a staggering human cost. It left both countries economically crippled and deeply scarred. The memory of this conflict continues to cast a long shadow over their interactions, influencing perceptions and policies even today.
The Ba'athist Era and Hussein's Ascent
The political landscape in Iraq leading up to the war was shaped by a series of internal power shifts. Successive military coups in Iraq led to the takeover by the Ba’ath Party in 1968 and Hussein’s gradual ascent to power through the party ranks. By 1979, Saddam Hussein had consolidated his control, becoming president and effectively a dictator. His pan-Arabist ideology and secularist stance were often at odds with Iran's revolutionary Islamic government, which came to power in 1979 following the overthrow of the Shah. This ideological clash, coupled with territorial disputes and Saddam's regional ambitions, created a volatile environment that ultimately led to war.
Post-2003 Iraq: A New Chapter and Shifting Sands
However, the dawn of the new millennium unveiled a dramatically altered landscape for the Iraq-Iran relationship. The U.S.-led invasion of Iraq in 2003, which toppled Saddam Hussein's regime, fundamentally reshaped the regional power balance. The removal of the Ba'athist government, a historical adversary of Iran, opened the door for Tehran to significantly expand its influence in its western neighbor. This shift was profound, transforming a relationship defined by overt hostility into one characterized by complex, often subtle, forms of cooperation and influence.
With the establishment of a new, predominantly Shia-led government in Baghdad, Iran found a more ideologically aligned partner. This alignment was further solidified by shared religious heritage; Iran and Iraq have historical, cultural and religious ties that make the two “deeply intertwined” like none other of the countries in their vicinity, according to Middle East analyst and experts. These deep connections provided a fertile ground for the expansion of Iranian influence, moving beyond mere political engagement to encompass security, economic, and even religious spheres.
Iran's Deepening Influence in Iraq
Following 2003, Iran meticulously cultivated its influence within Iraq. 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 Lebanon. This "land bridge" or "axis of resistance" is a critical component of Iran's regional strategy, allowing it to project power and supply its allies, including Hezbollah in Lebanon and the Assad regime in Syria.
This strategic depth has been achieved through various means. The Islamic Republic has used these advantages to permeate Iraq’s political, security, economic, and religious spheres. Politically, Iran has backed various Shia political parties and figures, ensuring that governments in Baghdad are at least amenable, if not outright supportive, of Tehran's interests. In the security realm, beyond supporting militias, Iran has provided training and equipment to Iraqi security forces, particularly during the fight against ISIS, further cementing its role as a vital security partner.
Economically, Iran has become a significant trading partner for Iraq, providing essential goods and services. Religiously, the deep Shia ties, with holy sites in both countries, facilitate extensive religious tourism and cultural exchange, reinforcing the bonds between the two nations. As Hoshyar Zebari, who was Iraq’s foreign minister for 10 years and finance minister until 2016, stated, "Instead, Iran, more than ever, is 'the predominant influence in Iraq today.'" This statement underscores the extent to which Iran has become a central player in Iraqi affairs, making the question of "does Iraq and Iran get along" increasingly complex, as it often means Iraq aligning with Iranian strategic objectives.
Iran has several reasons to be pleased with the government of Iraq, given its consistent efforts to foster a friendly and cooperative relationship, which serves Tehran's broader regional goals. This has led to a situation where, despite historical animosities, the two nations find themselves in a de facto partnership, driven by shared interests and a common geopolitical orientation.
The Geopolitical Chessboard: Regional Dynamics and External Pressures
The relationship between Iraq and Iran does not exist in a vacuum; it is deeply affected by the broader geopolitical landscape of the Middle East. With overlapping civil wars in Syria and Iraq, a complex web of alliances and rivalries has emerged, further entangling the two nations. Iran's regional strategy is multifaceted, and one of its primary objectives is driving U.S. forces out of Iraq and the region at large. This aligns with a broader anti-Western sentiment and a desire to assert regional hegemony without external interference.
The rivalry between Iran and Saudi Arabia, two regional heavyweights, also significantly impacts the Iraq-Iran dynamic. In the past 15 years in particular, the differences between Saudi Arabia and Iran have been sharpened by a series of events, including the Yemen conflict, the Syrian civil war, and various proxy confrontations. Iraq, situated geographically between these two powers, often finds itself caught in the middle, attempting to balance its relationships to maintain stability and sovereignty. While Iraq seeks to foster good relations with its Arab neighbors, its deep ties with Iran mean it cannot easily disengage from Tehran's orbit, even if it desired to do so.
The presence of various non-state actors and armed groups within Iraq further complicates the picture. For instance, a handful of Kurdish opposition groups that are barred from operating on Iranian soil are based in Iraq's Kurdistan Region. These groups, often targeted by Iranian military operations, add another layer of tension to the cross-border relationship, despite Baghdad's efforts to control its territory.
Energy Interdependence and Challenges
A crucial aspect of how Iraq and Iran get along is their energy relationship. For years, Iraq has relied on Iranian natural gas to keep the lights on, particularly in its southern provinces, which are heavily populated and often suffer from electricity shortages. This dependence highlights a significant economic vulnerability for Iraq, as Iran is a primary energy supplier. However, this reliance comes with its own set of challenges. Iran has rising national demand and an inefficient grid and periodically cuts off gas supplies to Iraq to serve its own people, leading to power outages and public discontent in Iraq. This demonstrates the fragility of the energy relationship, where domestic needs in Iran can directly impact daily life in Iraq.
Furthermore, Iran also suffers from U.S. sanctions, which complicate its ability to conduct international trade, including energy exports. These sanctions often pressure Iraq to reduce its energy reliance on Iran, forcing Baghdad to seek alternative suppliers or invest in its own energy infrastructure. This creates a delicate balancing act for Iraq, as it navigates its essential energy needs against the backdrop of international pressure and regional politics. The speakers also addressed the energy relationship between Iraq and Iran, underscoring its strategic importance and the inherent complexities it presents for both nations.
Border Porosity and Security Concerns
The long, often rugged border between Iraq and Iran is another critical factor influencing their relationship. As Krieg stated, “much of it has to do with the fact that the border between Iraq and Iran is very porous.” This porosity has significant implications for security and control. Iraqi forces don’t make any effort, and don’t have any capacity, to control the border effectively, which allows for various illicit activities, including smuggling, and facilitates the movement of armed groups and individuals. This lack of control benefits Iran, as it allows for the unhindered flow of goods, personnel, and influence into Iraq, further solidifying its strategic corridor.
The porous border also presents security challenges for Iraq, as it can be exploited by non-state actors or those seeking to destabilize the region. While it facilitates Iranian influence, it also underscores Iraq's struggle to assert full sovereignty over its territory, a challenge that impacts its overall stability and its ability to manage its relationship with its powerful neighbor. The ease of movement across the border is a double-edged sword, fostering both interdependence and vulnerability.
Military and Nuclear Cooperation
Beyond economic and political influence, the military dimension of the Iraq-Iran relationship has also evolved significantly. Post-2003, and particularly in the context of combating ISIS, there has been an expansion of military cooperation. This weapons sale relationship has expanded into further military cooperation including in the development of and exchange of nuclear technology. While the exact nature and extent of nuclear technology exchange remain opaque, any such cooperation raises significant concerns for regional and international security. This level of military collaboration indicates a deep trust and strategic alignment that goes beyond mere neighborly relations, suggesting a more profound partnership in certain sensitive areas.
Cultural and Religious Ties: The Unifying Threads
Despite the historical conflicts and geopolitical maneuvering, the enduring cultural and religious ties between Iraq and Iran serve as powerful unifying threads. As noted, Iran and Iraq have historical, cultural and religious ties that make the two “deeply intertwined” like none other of the countries in their vicinity. Both nations are predominantly Shia Muslim, sharing a common religious heritage, revered holy sites (such as Najaf and Karbala in Iraq, and Mashhad and Qom in Iran), and a rich history of intellectual and cultural exchange dating back centuries. Millions of pilgrims travel between the two countries annually, fostering people-to-people connections that transcend political differences.
This shared heritage provides a fundamental bedrock for their relationship, often mitigating potential conflicts and fostering a sense of shared identity. While political leaders may engage in strategic competition, the underlying cultural and religious bonds ensure a level of intrinsic connection that is difficult to sever. This deep intertwining explains why, even amidst tensions, the question "does Iraq and Iran get along" often finds an answer rooted in shared identity and mutual understanding at a societal level, even if state-to-state relations remain complex.
The Path Forward: Navigating Future Relations
Looking ahead, the relationship between Iraq and Iran will continue to be a critical determinant of regional stability. Iraq faces a delicate balancing act. On the other hand, Iraq must focus on a key question: If Iraq is looking for a method to secure the transport of energy and other vital resources, how does it diversify its partnerships without alienating its powerful neighbor? Baghdad seeks to maintain its sovereignty and foster stability, which necessitates good relations with all its neighbors, including Iran, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey, as well as international partners like the United States.
For Iraq, managing its energy dependence on Iran while seeking alternative sources and developing its own infrastructure will be paramount. Similarly, controlling its porous borders and asserting greater state authority over all armed groups within its territory will be crucial steps towards greater stability and autonomy. The future of how Iraq and Iran get along will depend heavily on Iraq's ability to navigate these internal and external pressures.
External Influences and Regional Stability
External actors will also continue to play a significant role. The ongoing rivalry between Iran and Israel, for instance, has direct implications for Iraq. Israel recognized a golden opportunity to seize Iranian weakness, following the collapse of its proxy “axis of resistance” led by Hezbollah along with Israel’s operational achievements of its October 2024 attack on Iran, when Israel destroyed Tehran’s strategic air defense system. Such developments, even if geographically distant, can impact Iran's strategic calculations in Iraq and the broader region, potentially leading to escalations or shifts in alliances that affect Baghdad's security.
Iraq's Balancing Act
Ultimately, Iraq's ability to chart an independent course while maintaining functional relations with Iran will be key. This involves strengthening state institutions, diversifying its economy, and building a cohesive national identity that transcends sectarian divisions. A stable, sovereign Iraq that can manage its internal affairs and external relationships effectively is in the best interest of regional peace. The question "does Iraq and Iran get along" will likely never have a simple "yes" or "no" answer, but rather a nuanced narrative of strategic accommodation, mutual dependence, and occasional friction, all within the intricate tapestry of Middle Eastern geopolitics.
Conclusion: A Future Forged in Interdependence
The relationship between Iraq and Iran is a testament to the complex and often paradoxical nature of international relations. From the devastating war of the 1980s, driven by territorial disputes and ideological clashes, to the post-2003 era of deep Iranian influence and surprising collaboration, their journey has been anything but linear. While the harrowing experiences of the 1980s war are etched deeply in their collective memory, the dawn of the new millennium unveiled a landscape where shared religious ties, economic interdependence, and common geopolitical interests have fostered a profound, albeit sometimes uneasy, partnership.
The answer to "does Iraq and Iran get along" is therefore not a simple binary. They are deeply intertwined, bound by history, culture, and religion, making them unique among their neighbors. While Iran has become a predominant influence in Iraq, leveraging its support for militias, economic ties, and religious connections, Iraq navigates this relationship with a constant eye on its own sovereignty and stability, balancing regional pressures and its own national interests. The energy relationship, border porosity, and the broader geopolitical chessboard all contribute to a dynamic where cooperation and strategic maneuvering coexist.
As both nations look to the future, their relationship will continue to be defined by this intricate dance of interdependence and strategic calculation. Understanding this complex bond is crucial for anyone seeking to comprehend the dynamics of the Middle East. What are your thoughts on the future of Iraq and Iran's relationship? Share your perspectives in the comments below, or explore our other articles on Middle Eastern geopolitics to deepen your understanding.
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