ERBIL, Kurdistan Region of Iraq - Iran’s Supreme National Security Council Secretary, Ali Larijani, arrived in Baghdad Monday for an official visit to sign a security agreement with the Iraqi government. While the agreement is the stated purpose, politicians and analysts say the visit has other goals, including easing tensions between the Iraqi government and armed groups.

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani oversaw the signing of the agreement by Larijani and Iraqi National Security Advisor Qassim al-Araji, saying in a statement that Iraq seeks to strengthen its relations with Iran and build strong partnerships for the benefit of both peoples.

The premier reaffirmed Iraq’s firm rejection of Israeli aggression against Iran and any acts that escalate regional or international conflicts, adding that Baghdad supports increased dialogue between the US and Iran.

Fadel Mawat, a member of Iraq’s ruling Coordination Framework, told The New Region the visit comes at a sensitive time. “The region is going through major changes. This visit sends many messages, mainly to strengthen border security and to sign an agreement between Iraq and Iran to prevent any security breaches that could affect both countries,” he said.

Mawat added that the visit shows stronger ties between the two countries. “Iran wants to secure its borders and improve relations with Iraq in many areas. It also wants to calm political tensions inside Iraq and reassure armed groups after recent clashes with the government,” he said.

He noted that Larijani’s visit also sends messages to the United States through Iraq. “Iran is looking for a political way out of the current crisis. The visit is very important during these tense times, and the Coordination Framework focuses on security and stability in Iraq and the region,” Mawat said.

Meanwhile, security expert Ahmed al-Sharifi cautioned that the agreement “will anger the United States and embarrass the Iraqi government.”

Iraqi diplomat warns of risks

Former Iraqi diplomat Ghazi Faisal warned of dangers linked to Larijani’s visit at a time of tension between the US and Iran.

“This visit happens while regional tensions rise and power struggles grow. Tehran wants to increase its influence in Iraq and push its political and security agenda,” Faisal told The New Region.

He added that Iran’s interference threatens Iraq’s national sovereignty and deepens political divisions. “Iran is trying to impose its views on the Iraqi government on sensitive regional issues, especially with ongoing tensions with the US and its allies,” he said.

Faisal also warned that closer security cooperation between Iraq and Iran might cause internal conflicts or pressure political groups seeking independence. “The Iraqi government must protect its national decisions and avoid foreign interference,” he said.

“This visit is a clear move by Iran to control Iraq and use its unstable situation to push expansionist goals. The Iraqi government should be careful not to let Iran use Iraq in regional conflicts,” Faisal added.

US Congressman reacts

US Congressman Joe Wilson criticized the visit, saying President Donald Trump and Congress “will not allow this scam to go on any longer.”

Wilson posted on X platform formerly known as Twitter: “Iraq’s National Security Adviser meets his boss, the Iranian National Security Adviser, while the Iraqi government is working to pass a law officially giving Iranian militias full control of the country. The same militias which the State Department noted just yesterday have attacked Americans... Yet taxpayers give billions to Iraq supposedly to counter terrorism?"

"President Trump and our Republican Congress will not allow this scam to go on any longer. I am grateful for his always keeping America First!” Wilson concluded.