Iran’s new top security official Ali Larijani signed a border security deal with Iraq on Monday as he began his first trip abroad in the role.
Mr Larijani, the secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, was in Baghdad before heading to Lebanon where plans are under way to disarm Iranian ally Hezbollah.
Mr Larijani was received by Iraqi National Security Adviser Qasim Al Araji, an Iraqi official said. Talks were expected to focus on regional stability, counter-terrorism and ways to insulate both countries from spillover conflicts.
Mr Larijani said an “important security deal” with Iraq has been drafted, ahead of his visit to the neighbouring country, state-run Irna news agency reported. He did not provide any further details.
Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al Sudani met Mr Larijani and emphasised “Iraq's diligent efforts to develop relations with the Islamic Republic of Iran and strengthen productive partnerships in various areas and fields that benefit both nations,” according to a statement from his office.
Mr Al Sudani oversaw the signing of an agreement between Iraq and Iran on “security co-operation along the borders”, the statement added.
Mr Larijani “praised the Iraqi government and its balanced foreign policy", the statement said. He also met with Iraqi President Abdul Latif Rashid.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian this month appointed Mr Larijani to the head the country's top security body, succeeding Gen Ali Akbar Ahmadi Sultan in a major reshuffle of Iran’s security leadership following the 12-day war with Israel.
“Ali Larijani departs today for Iraq and then Lebanon on a three-day visit, his first foreign trip since taking office last week,” state television reported earlier in the day. The visit comes amid growing pressure from the US on both Baghdad and Beirut to rein in Iran-backed groups.
Mr Al Sudani approved the dismissal of two senior commanders in the Popular Mobilisation Forces after deadly clashes with police at a government building last month. The commanders were linked to the Iran-backed Kataib Hezbollah militia.
Meanwhile, the Lebanese objectives of a US proposal that requires the group to hand over all its weapons.
Tehran has expressed strong opposition to the plan – which Lebanon condemned as a “flagrant and unacceptable interference”.
“Our co-operation with the Lebanese government is long and deep. We consult on various regional issues. In this particular context, we are talking to Lebanese officials and influential figures in Lebanon,” Mr Larijani told state TV before departing.
