Iraq, Iran agree on joint border security measures to curb armed group activity

Iraq and Iran have agreed on coordinated measures to strengthen border security and prevent the movement of armed or terrorist groups that could threaten regional stability, according to Iraqi officials.

The agreement was reached during a meeting of the Supreme Security Committee, where both sides stressed the importance of tighter border controls and enhanced security coordination, Caliber.Az reports per a statement issued by Qasim al-Araji, Iraq’s National Security Adviser.

The statement noted that the Iranian side presented information regarding the activities of certain armed groups operating in the Iraqi Kurdistan region. The two countries agreed to take joint and comprehensive steps to address the issue.

“Both sides reaffirmed the importance of strengthening joint coordination on security matters, tightening border controls, and preventing any attempts by terrorist or armed groups to infiltrate or move through the region, which could threaten the security and stability of the countries and the region,” the statement said.

It added that “the Iranian side provided information on the activities of certain Iranian armed groups operating in the Kurdistan region” and that both parties agreed to continue coordination and take “necessary measures to resolve this issue decisively.”

The statement further emphasised Iraq’s position on preventing its territory from being used for hostile actions against neighboring states.

National Security Adviser Qasim al-Araji “reaffirmed Iraq’s firm position, based on the Constitution and the principles of good neighborliness, against the use of Iraqi territory for any hostile actions or security and military operations directed against neighboring countries,” the statement said.

He also stressed Baghdad’s commitment to preventing any groups from using Iraqi territory in ways that could undermine regional stability.

By Sabina Mammadli