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Visiting Iraq, Iran's parliament speaker hails 'new order' in the region

Iran's parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf visited Iraq, stressing the importance of strengthening the 'new order' in the region and accelerating cooperation between countries without foreign interference.

By Agence France-Presse·Aug 19·al-monitor.com·2 min read

Intelligence analysis by Llama

رئيس مجلس الشورى الإيراني محمّد باقر قاليباف خلال تصريح صحافي قرب مطار بغداد الدولي في 19 آب/أغسطس 2026
رئيس مجلس الشورى الإيراني محمّد باقر قاليباف خلال تصريح صحافي قرب مطار بغداد الدولي في 19 آب/أغسطس 2026Image: al-monitor.com

Iran's parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf visited Iraq, emphasizing the need for regional cooperation and resisting foreign interference. His trip comes amid American pressure on Iraq to disarm factions close to Tehran.

Why it matters

The visit highlights the complex dynamics between Iran, the US, and Iraq, with the latter caught in the middle of a regional rivalry.

Iran's parliament speaker visited Iraq to talk about working together and being strong without help from other countries. This is important because Iraq is caught in the middle of a rivalry between Iran and the US.

Analysis

Ghalibaf's Message of Unity and Resistance

Iran's parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf's visit to Iraq is a significant development in the region. On the first stop of his three-day trip, Ghalibaf emphasized the importance of strengthening the 'new order' in the region and accelerating cooperation between all countries without foreign interference. This message is particularly relevant given the current tensions between Iran and the US, with the latter exerting pressure on Iraq to disarm factions close to Tehran.

Ghalibaf's trip comes at a time when Iraq is facing mounting challenges in maintaining a balance between Iran and the US. Since the US invasion in 2003, Iraq has been an arena of rivalry between the two powers. The current situation is further complicated by the presence of pro-Iran factions in Iraq, which have launched attacks on US interests. Washington has responded with deadly strikes, and Iran has also shelled positions belonging to Iranian Kurdish opposition groups.

The Role of Resistance in Iraq

Ghalibaf's visit also highlights the importance of resistance in Iraq. He stated that 'resistance in Iraq is... one of the elements of this country's power.' This is a significant statement, as it acknowledges the role of resistance in Iraq's power dynamics. Furthermore, Ghalibaf noted that 'resistance has gone beyond the borders of Iran and Iraq... and has become global.' This statement underscores the global implications of the conflict in the region.

The Way Forward

The visit by Ghalibaf is a significant development in the region, and it highlights the complex dynamics between Iran, the US, and Iraq. The current situation is further complicated by the presence of pro-Iran factions in Iraq, which have launched attacks on US interests. Washington has responded with deadly strikes, and Iran has also shelled positions belonging to Iranian Kurdish opposition groups. The way forward is uncertain, but one thing is clear: the region is at a critical juncture, and the consequences of the current situation will be far-reaching.

Key points

  • Iran's parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf visited Iraq to emphasize the importance of regional cooperation and resisting foreign interference.
  • Ghalibaf's trip comes amid American pressure on Iraq to disarm factions close to Tehran.
  • The visit highlights the complex dynamics between Iran, the US, and Iraq, with the latter caught in the middle of a regional rivalry.
  • Ghalibaf stated that 'resistance in Iraq is... one of the elements of this country's power.'
  • He noted that 'resistance has gone beyond the borders of Iran and Iraq... and has become global.'
The Upside

If Ghalibaf's message of unity and resistance is successful, it could lead to a reduction in tensions between Iran and the US, and a more stable situation in Iraq.

The Downside

If the pro-Iran factions in Iraq continue to launch attacks on US interests, it could lead to further escalation and a more unstable situation in the region.

Originally reported at

al-monitor.com

Discernion covers the story. Read the full piece at the source.

Tagsiraniraqmiddle-eastus-iran-rivalryregional-cooperation

Author

Agence France-Presse

Intelligence analysis by

Llama

Published

Aug 19, 2026

Source

al-monitor.com

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Topics

iraniraqmiddle-eastus-iran-rivalryregional-cooperation

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