Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, Speaker of the Iranian Parliament, visited Baghdad this week for official talks with Iraqi government officials [1, 2].
The visit occurs as Tehran seeks to solidify its regional influence and manage security tensions involving border control and the presence of armed factions within Iraq.
Qalibaf arrived in the Iraqi capital with a specific set of diplomatic priorities. According to reports, the Speaker brought files concerning the Strait of Hormuz, the weapons held by various factions, and general border security [2]. These issues remain central to the bilateral relationship between Tehran and Baghdad, as both nations navigate the security vacuum left by shifting international coalitions.
Beyond regional security, Qalibaf used the visit to address the possibility of renewed diplomatic engagement with Washington. He said that Tehran will not agree to an agreement with the United States that does not guarantee the rights of the Iranian people [3].
This stance reinforces the Iranian government's position that any future sanctions relief or diplomatic normalization must be predicated on strict guarantees of national sovereignty, and economic rights. The Speaker's remarks suggest that Tehran remains unwilling to make concessions without comprehensive assurances from the U.S. government.
While the official purpose of the visit focused on diplomacy, some reports indicate internal friction within Iraq regarding the visit. While the official agenda centered on security and rights, other accounts suggest the Iraqi government is simultaneously pursuing factions and managing protests [4].
Despite these contradictions, the visit underscores the continued role of Baghdad as a primary diplomatic bridge between Iran and the West. The discussions on the Strait of Hormuz particularly highlight Iran's intent to maintain control over critical maritime corridors, which are essential for global energy markets [2].
“Tehran will not agree to an agreement with the United States that does not guarantee the rights of the Iranian people”
Qalibaf's visit signals Iran's dual-track strategy of maintaining hardline demands toward the U.S. while actively managing regional security risks through Iraqi intermediaries. By focusing on the Strait of Hormuz and factional weaponry, Tehran is attempting to stabilize its immediate periphery to ensure that any future negotiations with Washington are conducted from a position of regional strength.
