Tehran and Baghdad have reaffirmed their commitment to expanding cooperation in the information and communication technology (ICT) sector, with a particular focus on emerging technologies and the digital economy. The call for enhanced collaboration came during a meeting on Monday in Tehran between Iran’s ICT Minister Sattar Hashemi and Iraqi Ambassador to Iran Yasser Abdulzahra Al-Hajjaj.
The discussions aimed to lay the groundwork for deeper technological partnerships ahead of an upcoming visit by Iraq’s Minister of Communications Mustafa Jabbar Sanad to Iran. Hashemi emphasized Iran’s readiness to share expertise in areas including communication infrastructure development, digital services, cybersecurity, and other emerging fields. He highlighted the potential for joint research projects and announced that Iraq’s minister is invited to attend the 2026 International Exhibition of Electronics, Computer & E-commerce (ELECOMP), scheduled from August 31 to September 3. This event is expected to offer Iraqi officials insight into the capacities of Iranian ICT companies and facilitate the preparation of a roadmap for future bilateral collaboration.
Both officials expressed optimism about increasing Iranian companies’ presence in Iraq’s market and promoting cooperation between the private sectors of the two countries. Ambassador Abdulzahra Al-Hajjaj reiterated Baghdad’s openness to strengthening technological ties and anticipated the visit would create new opportunities for engagement among experts and businesses.
This meeting builds on ongoing diplomatic and technical exchanges between Iran and Iraq. In July, Mohammad-Mohsen Sadr, head of Iran’s Information Technology Organization, met with Mustafa Jabbar Sanad on the sidelines of the UN Global Dialogue on AI Governance in Geneva. There, they discussed leveraging information technology and artificial intelligence (AI) to address energy sector challenges, develop smart infrastructure, improve e-government services, and enhance data transit capacities. Both sides agreed on expanding cooperation in digital transformation, sharing technical expertise, and launching joint initiatives.
Further discussions on ICT cooperation took place in 2025 between Hashemi and the previous Iraqi ambassador to Tehran, Naseer Abdul Mohsen Abdullah. These talks focused on utilizing Iran’s transit infrastructure for international linkages, fostering knowledge-based company collaborations, and boosting cybersecurity and the digital economy. Both officials underscored the importance of robust communication networks, especially to support the millions of pilgrims participating in the Arbaeen pilgrimage.
Abdullah highlighted the growing interactions between Iranian and Iraqi pilgrims as a compelling reason for enhanced ICT collaboration, citing AI, cybersecurity, and communication infrastructure as priority areas. He also called for increased trade between the two countries, suggesting an annual target of $20 billion, with a portion directed to ICT ventures.
Hashemi reaffirmed Iran’s commitment to transferring expertise in cybersecurity and e-government and expressed a willingness to partner on artificial intelligence initiatives. He also proposed joint investments in international transit routes, maritime fiber optics, and the establishment of a big data center in Iran. The provision of high-speed communication networks during major religious events such as Arbaeen was identified as a key agenda item.
The ongoing dialogue reflects a shared interest in deepening technological ties to foster economic growth, improve digital services, and strengthen bilateral relations between Iran and Iraq.