Iran’s top security official reiterated on Tuesday that the United States will have no role in shaping the future of West Asia, emphasizing that regional countries should independently determine their political and security paths. Major General Mohsen Rezaei, Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, made the remarks during a meeting in Tehran with Faeq Zaidan, President of Iraq’s Supreme Judicial Council.
Rezaei highlighted the deep historical and cultural ties between Iran and Iraq, underlining Iran’s ongoing support for a sovereign, strong, and independent Iraq. He stressed the necessity of regional cooperation and the importance of neighboring states leading their own security and political arrangements without external interference, specifically citing the declining influence of the United States in the region.
A key focus of the discussion was addressing security concerns along the Iran-Iraq border. Rezaei called for the resolution of issues related to anti-Iranian militant groups operating in border areas, describing the dismantling of such elements as crucial for the long-term stability and protection of both nations’ interests. This longstanding concern reflects Tehran’s demand that Iraq prevent armed groups hostile to Iran from using its territory for operations.
Zaidan expressed gratitude for Iran’s political and strategic support for Iraq, acknowledging the need for enhanced coordination between the two countries. He conveyed greetings from Iraqi officials to Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Seyyed Mojtaba Khamenei, and paid tribute to Lieutenant General Qassem Soleimani and Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, the Iranian and Iraqi commanders killed in a U.S. drone strike in Baghdad in 2020.
Both officials emphasized the prioritization of regional security cooperation, agreeing on the importance of robust, coordinated measures to prevent cross-border threats. The meeting reflected Iran’s continued advocacy for a regional security framework led by neighboring countries rather than external powers, consistent with Tehran’s longstanding policy favoring regional autonomy in political and security matters.
The dialogue between Iran and Iraq highlights their shared interest in stabilizing border areas while reinforcing bilateral relations amid shifting geopolitical dynamics in West Asia.