Qalibaf backs stronger Iran-Iraq unity

Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf used a visit to Iraq to project unity with Baghdad and sharpen his criticism of the United States and Israel. After paying tribute at the grave of Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis in Najaf and praying at the Imam Ali Shrine, he said the relationship between Iran and Iraq is “unbreakable” and rooted in shared religious, cultural and wartime ties. He also said the two countries would continue standing together against outside pressure.

Qalibaf linked that message to past conflicts, citing the fight against Daesh and the killing of Qassem Soleimani and al-Muhandis as symbols of the bond between the two countries. He argued that Iran and Iraq have already shown they can resist common threats and said the same cooperation will continue in the face of renewed pressure. His remarks came during a trip to Baghdad leading a high-level delegation for talks on regional developments and bilateral relations.

He also said Iran does not seek war, but argued that diplomacy only has weight when backed by military readiness. Speaking with Iranian and Iraqi businesspeople, he said no country can expect to be taken seriously in negotiations if it cannot defend itself. He framed Iran’s position as one of dignity and resistance rather than aggression, insisting that peace is most valuable to those who have experienced conflict.

Qalibaf also promoted trade in national currencies instead of relying on the U.S. dollar, saying this would reduce dependence on American financial power. He portrayed U.S. policy as shifting from failed military pressure to economic coercion, and said the era of American dominance was ending. His comments came as Washington announced a new wave of severe sanctions and threats against countries doing business with Iran, while Tehran signaled it would respond by deepening regional ties and economic alternatives.