Iran & Iraq: From War To Complex Alliances In The Middle East
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, shaping the regional power dynamics in profound ways. Understanding Iran–Iraq relations (Persian: روابط ایران و عراق, romanized: Ravâbete Irân va Arâq; Arabic: العلاقات العراقية الإيرانية, romanized: Al-ilaqat Al-Iraqiya Al-Iraniya) means delving into a tapestry woven with threads of shared history, religious ties, ideological clashes, and strategic interests that continue to evolve.
This intricate bond, often fraught with tension yet occasionally marked by strategic alignment, is central to stability in a volatile region. From devastating wars to intricate proxy networks and delicate diplomatic dances, the narrative of Iran and Iraq is a microcosm of the broader Middle Eastern saga, influencing everything from oil prices to regional security and global power plays.
Table of Contents
- The Shadow of Conflict: The Iran-Iraq War
- Divergent Paths: Political and Religious Identities
- Iran's Strategic Reach: The Axis of Resistance
- Iraq's Delicate Balancing Act
- Public Sentiment and Regional Tensions
- The Future of Iran-Iraq Relations
The Shadow of Conflict: The Iran-Iraq War
The modern history of Iran and Iraq is indelibly marked by the devastating conflict that erupted in the early 1980s. Relations with Iran had grown increasingly strained after the Shah was overthrown in 1979, ushering in the Islamic Revolution. While Iraq recognized Iran’s new Shiʿi Islamic government, the Iranian leaders would have nothing to do with the Baʿath regime, which they denounced as secular. Ruhollah Khomeini, the spiritual leader of the Iranian revolution, proclaimed his policy of exporting the revolution, which Baghdad perceived as a direct threat to its stability and secular governance. This ideological chasm, coupled with long-standing territorial disputes over the Shatt al-Arab waterway and a desire for regional hegemony, set the stage for war.
Active hostilities began with the Iraqi invasion of Iran and lasted for nearly eight years, until the acceptance of United Nations Security Council Resolution 598 by both sides. This brutal conflict, often referred to as the First Persian Gulf War, resulted in an estimated one million casualties and immense destruction on both sides. It was a war of attrition, characterized by trench warfare reminiscent of World War I, chemical weapons use, and attacks on oil tankers in the Persian Gulf. The war deeply scarred both nations, leaving a legacy of mistrust, economic hardship, and a generation traumatized by conflict. Despite the formal end of hostilities, the echoes of this war continue to resonate in the strategic calculations and national psyches of both Iran and Iraq, shaping their interactions to this day.
Divergent Paths: Political and Religious Identities
Beyond the historical conflict, a fundamental understanding of Iran and Iraq requires appreciating their distinct political and religious identities, which often serve as both points of connection and contention.
Governance: Theocratic vs. Democratic
The governments in Iran and Iraq differ significantly. Iran is structured as a theocratic republic, where religious scholars and institutions hold ultimate authority, particularly through the Supreme Leader. This system, born from the 1979 Islamic Revolution, intertwines religious principles with state governance, influencing every aspect of public and private life. The revolutionary ideals and the concept of Velayat-e Faqih (Guardianship of the Islamic Jurist) are central to its political framework, prioritizing Islamic law and revolutionary principles above all else.
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In contrast, Iraq, particularly after the fall of Saddam Hussein's regime in 2003, has embarked on a path to establish itself as a democratic republic. While its democratic institutions are still maturing and face numerous challenges, the stated aim is to build a representative government based on popular sovereignty, multi-party elections, and a constitution that enshrines civil liberties. This fundamental difference in governance philosophies—one rooted in religious authority, the other striving for secular democracy—creates inherent tensions and opportunities for influence, particularly given Iran's strategic interest in its neighbor's political trajectory.
Islamic Sects and Cultural Practices
Both nations share Islam as a major religion but differ in the dominant sects and related cultural practices. Iran is predominantly Shi'a Muslim, with Twelver Shi'ism being the official state religion. This shared Shi'a identity with Iraq's Shi'a majority population forms a significant cultural and religious bond. Many Shi'a holy sites, revered by Iranians, are located in Iraq, including Najaf and Karbala, which draw millions of Iranian pilgrims annually. This shared sectarian affiliation has historically been a source of both solidarity and friction, as Iran often views itself as a protector of Shi'a communities across the region.
Iraq, while having a Shi'a majority, also has a significant Sunni Arab population, as well as Kurdish and other minority groups. This demographic diversity makes Iraq a more complex mosaic of religious and ethnic identities compared to the more homogenous Shi'a Iran. The historical dominance of Sunni leadership under Saddam Hussein, followed by a shift in power dynamics post-2003, has led to ongoing internal struggles and external interventions. While the shared Shi'a heritage can foster cooperation, the political implications of sectarian identity within Iraq can also be exploited by external powers, including Iran, to further their own interests, sometimes at the expense of Iraqi national unity.
Iran's Strategic Reach: The Axis of Resistance
Ever since its revolution in 1979, Iran has cultivated a network of proxies and friends throughout the Middle East, a strategy often referred to as its "Axis of Resistance." 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 network is a cornerstone of Iran's regional foreign policy, designed to project power, deter adversaries, and secure its strategic interests without direct military confrontation by its own conventional forces. Iraq has provided a linchpin in Iran’s axis, serving as a crucial conduit for this projection of power.
The Role of Iraq's Militias
A key component of Iran's influence in Iraq is its support for various Shi'a militias. These groups, many of which emerged or gained prominence during the fight against ISIS, often operate outside direct government control and are deeply aligned with Iranian interests. Iraq's militias serve Iran's interests and control parts of Iraq, effectively creating a parallel security apparatus. Thus, during tensions between Iran and the US, they are used to enforce Iran’s policies, conducting operations that align with Tehran's strategic objectives, such as targeting US forces or interests in the region. This dynamic complicates Iraq's sovereignty and its ability to act independently, as these powerful non-state actors can exert significant influence on the ground.
Iran’s support for Shi'a 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 is vital for Iran's ability to supply its allies, including Hezbollah in Lebanon and the Assad regime in Syria, with weapons, resources, and personnel, effectively extending its geopolitical reach to the Mediterranean coast. This corridor is not merely a logistical route; it represents a strategic lifeline that enhances Iran's leverage and presence across the Levant, making Iraq an indispensable component of its regional strategy.
The Strategic Corridor
The establishment of this strategic corridor is a testament to Iran's long-term vision and its ability to leverage its soft power and proxy networks. By ensuring control or significant influence over key routes within Iraq, Iran has effectively bypassed traditional geographical barriers, connecting its heartland to its forward operating bases and allies. This corridor is particularly critical in light of ongoing conflicts and geopolitical rivalries, allowing Iran to project power and maintain pressure on its adversaries, including Israel and the United States. The existence and functionality of this corridor are frequently a source of concern for regional and international actors, who view it as a destabilizing factor contributing to the militarization of the region.
Iraq's Delicate Balancing Act
As a result, Iraq — a country uniquely navigating alliances with both the U.S. and Iran — finds itself in an unenviable position. Since 2003, Iraq has relied heavily on the United States for security assistance, military training, and diplomatic support, particularly in its fight against terrorism. However, its deep historical, cultural, and religious ties with Iran, coupled with Iran's significant influence through political parties and militias, mean that Baghdad cannot afford to alienate Tehran. This creates a precarious balancing act, as Iraq attempts to maintain cordial relations with both global and regional powers that are often at odds with each other.
The challenge for Iraq is to assert its sovereignty and national interests without becoming a battleground for proxy conflicts. This tension is particularly evident during periods of heightened regional instability. For instance, Iraq has approached the Iranian and US governments in a bid to prevent being caught up in a regional escalation, officials said Saturday, as Washington's ally Israel and Iran traded blows. This proactive diplomacy underscores Baghdad's desperate need to preserve its fragile stability amidst external pressures. The presence of US forces in Iraq, often targeted by Iran-backed militias, further complicates this dynamic, turning Iraqi territory into a potential flashpoint in the broader Iran-US rivalry. The incident on December 13, 2024, where State Department helicopters were seen flying over Baghdad toward the U.S. Embassy headquarters in Iraq, highlights the constant vigilance and security concerns that define the American presence in a country deeply intertwined with Iranian influence.
Public Sentiment and Regional Tensions
The geopolitical tensions involving Iran and Iraq are not confined to diplomatic circles or military maneuvers; they deeply resonate with public sentiment across the region. The conflict between Israel and Hamas, for example, has frequently served as a catalyst for public demonstrations and expressions of anger. Tens of thousands of people poured into the streets in Iran, Iraq, and Lebanon after midday prayers on Friday to vent their anger over the Israeli attacks. This widespread public outcry underscores the deep-seated solidarity with the Palestinian cause that unites many across the Middle East, including significant segments of the populations in both Iran and Iraq.
In Iran, thousands of people joined a protest against Israel in the Iranian capital and other cities on Friday after weekly prayers, chanting slogans in support of their leaders. These demonstrations are often orchestrated by the state but also reflect genuine popular sentiment, particularly among those who align with the revolutionary ideals of confronting perceived Western and Israeli aggression. Similarly, in Iraq, public protests against Israeli actions are common, often fueled by the strong Shi'a religious and political currents that align with Iran's "Axis of Resistance." As concerns rose overnight about Iran and fears of an Israeli strike on Iran were mounting amid rising tensions in the region, public anxiety and anger often translate into calls for solidarity and action against perceived adversaries. While Iran has not commented on specific strikes, the general atmosphere of heightened tension means that any regional escalation, particularly involving Israel or the US, is closely watched and often elicits strong public reactions in both Iran and Iraq, further entrenching the complex web of regional alliances and animosities.
The Future of Iran-Iraq Relations
The relationship between Iran and Iraq remains a critical determinant of Middle Eastern stability. While the ghost of their devastating war lingers, a complex interdependence has emerged, characterized by shared religious identity, economic ties, and Iran's strategic influence within Iraq's political and security landscape. Iraq's unique position, bordering Iran and navigating alliances with both the US and Tehran, ensures its role as a pivotal player in regional power dynamics.
Looking ahead, the trajectory of Iran-Iraq relations will likely be shaped by several factors: the ongoing internal stability of Iraq, the evolving nature of Iran's regional foreign policy, the dynamics of the broader US-Iran rivalry, and the persistent Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Any significant shift in these areas could either deepen their cooperation or reignite tensions. For now, both nations seem committed to a path of cautious engagement, understanding that their destinies are intertwined. The challenge for Iraq will be to strengthen its sovereignty and reduce its susceptibility to external pressures, while Iran will continue to balance its revolutionary ideals with pragmatic regional interests. The delicate dance between these two historically significant nations will continue to be a compelling study for anyone seeking to understand the intricate geopolitical fabric of the Middle East.
What are your thoughts on the future of Iran-Iraq relations? Do you believe their shared religious ties will ultimately lead to stronger cooperation, or will geopolitical rivalries continue to define their interactions? Share your insights in the comments below!
Iran says no to nuclear talks during conflict as UN urges restraint
Iran says no to nuclear talks during conflict as UN urges restraint
Iran says no to nuclear talks during conflict as UN urges restraint
