In a pivotal diplomatic interaction that underscores the multidimensional security framework in the Middle East, the Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council (SNSC), Ali Akbar Ahmadian met with one of the most influential Iraqi personalities, the head of the Popular Mobilization Units (PMU), colloquially referred to as Hashd al-Sha’abi, Falih al-Fayyadh.
The meeting, which was held Tuesday in the Iranian capital of Tehran, invest a high-level focus on rapidly changing regional dynamics and common security challenges that often put the endurance of both countries to the test.
The two security officials carried out an in-depth review of the geopolitical trends currently touching the region, particularly steps to develop the strategic relationship between Baghdad and Tehran, the officials at the talks said.
“The connection between our countries is beyond a simple diplomatic formality,” Ahmadian said. “Iraq is our brother and we believe that our brotherly relations are a pillar of stability in the region especially in those uncertain times.”
Counterterrorism cooperation was said to be a focus in discussions, and both sides raised concerns about the possible return of Daesh elements in the region. Although the terrorist group performed a territorial defeat in Syria by late 2019, intelligence reports show the continuity of Daesh presence at the porous borders areas of Iraq and Syria.
The forces of al-Fayyadh were instrumental in Iraq’s fight against Daesh from the year 2014 to 2017, and he insisted that there would need to be endurance to ensure that extremist groups did not go back into sensitive territories.
The sacrifices made by Iraqi and Iranian forces in confronting terrorism must somehow be expended,” indicated al-Fayyadh to him during the joint press briefing. We stand by the full responsibility of protecting our borders and our common interests.”
The meetings held take on special significance because, following the collapse of Bashar al-Assad’s government in Syria last December, power vacuums could be filled by terrorist organizations, according to security analysts. Even so, Iraq tightened its security measures at the border and lifted military positions along the western section of its border.
In several of his public statements, al-Fayyadh had robustly declared Iraq’s determination to defend its sovereignty, saying, “We will not hesitate to deter anyone who dares to violate Iraq’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.”
There was also mention of the worrying intelligence assessments of Baghdad’s al-Maaloumeh News Agency in regard to the presence of Daesh being evidenced in nearly 12 different Syrian regions. More troubling, there are reports that nearly half of Daesh’s weaponry seems to be American-made, raising perplexing questions concerning arms proliferation in places of warfare.
Speaking on condition of anonymity, Iranian security personnel worried that some outside elements might be intentionally undermining regional stability by funnelling weapons to radical groups.
One high-ranking Iranian intelligence officer observed, “By tracing the weapons supply lines, the patterns start to distressingly clear. ” “These indicate organized distribution networks, not haphazardly acquired arms. ”
After reminding their dedication to increased intelligence distribution and coordinated security activities as needed, both Ahmadian and al-Fayyadh ended their meeting.
According regional watchers, this alliance mirrors the actual conditions of Middle Eastern geopolitics, where practical cooperation against mutual threats is replacing more and more traditional conflicts.
The meeting ended with consensus to create a joint working team that would meet every month to evaluate developing security issues and synchronize suitable reactions, hence showing the resolution of both countries to maintain awareness of extremist resurgence throughout this time of regional change.
