Iranian Parliament Speaker Ghalibaf's Iraq visit seeks to reshape ties amid regional unrest

Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf arrived in Iraq for a three-day visit aimed at reshaping bilateral relations and fostering a "new regional order," according to Iran's Tasnim news agency. His trip comes amid growing tensions over militia disarmament deadlines and Iraq's severe economic crisis, exacerbated by the prolonged closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

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reshuffle relations with Iraq

During his visit, Ghalibaf met with senior Iraqi officials to discuss strengthening ties, border security, counter-terrorism efforts, and economic cooperation. He also met with Faiq Zidan, President of the Supreme Judicial Council of Iraq, to discuss "mutual interests." Ghalibaf insisted that foreign interference should be denounced, a statement that comes as Iran seeks to maintain its influence in Iraq.

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new regional order

Dr. Yaron Schneider, a researcher at the Institute for National Security Studies, noted that economic cooperation has been a tool for Iran to influence Baghdad's domestic policies. Iraq's economy, heavily reliant on oil exports, faces a crisis with monthly revenues plummeting from $7–$8 billion to $1.2–$1.9 billion due to the Strait of Hormuz closure. Iraqi Parliament Speaker Haibat al-Halbousi requested special exemptions for Iraqi oil exports to pass through the strait safely.

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foreign interference

Schneider suggested that Iran is attempting to stabilize its relationship with Iraq and mitigate criticism over the Hormuz crisis's consequences. He believes Iran's assets in Iraq, particularly its influence through militias, remain secure and capable of projecting power, thereby intimidating elements within Iraq that might seek to reduce Iranian influence, such as the Kurds. The visit and any potential economic agreements signal Iran's efforts to retain its sway in the country.

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strengthening bilateral relations, border security, the fight against terrorism, expanding economic cooperation and implementing joint agreements