TEHRAN - The Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces has stated that the Islamic Republic is ready to counter any possible threats against Iraqi territorial integrity and national sovereignty.

Major General Mohammad Baqeri made the remarks at a meeting with his Iraqi counterpart, Abdel Emir Rashid Yarallah, in Baghdad on Sunday.

During his trip, General Bagheri was set to meet with a number of senior Iraqi officials, including the country’s prime minister and president.

Iran’s top general cited the positive relations and shared experiences between the two neighbors as evidence that Iraq was moving toward peace and durable security.

“The two countries have good and valuable experience in the war against terrorism and can share their experience in a suitable format,” Baqeri said, adding, “The Islamic Republic of Iran was the only country that came to Iraq’s aid against the Daesh terrorist group, and martyrs Haj Qassem Soleimani and Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis are a precious legacy for the people of both countries.”

To guarantee the long-term security of shared borders, Baqeri also emphasized the necessity of conducting joint drills between the Iranian and Iraqi armed forces.

“The opportunity to increase convergence and benefits of both nations from mutual capacities is provided by their common borders,” he continued.

For his part, the Iraqi Army’s chief of staff paid tribute to Lt. Ge. Soleimani and thanked the Islamic Republic for its genuine assistance in the war against Daesh.

Yarallah also said that the Iraqi armed forces were fully prepared to advance defense, military, and training exchanges with Iran in addition to conducting joint drills and exchanging experiences.

Following an upsurge in the terrorist attacks by anti-Iranian organizations living in the Iraqi Kurdistan region, particularly in border regions, the two neighboring nations struck a security pact in March.

In response to their hit-and-run acts, Iran’s IRGC has launched three rounds of strikes against their sites since September last year, pledging to continue the attacks until the groups surrender.

Iran has repeatedly warned local authorities in Iraqi Kurdistan that it will not accept the presence and operation of terrorist groups near its northwestern borders, threatening a strong response if such areas become a refuge for anti-Tehran terrorists.

Iran, Iraq share concerns on Palestine

In another meeting on Sunday, General Baqeri and Iraqi Defense Minister Thabet Muhammad Al-Abbasi talked about a range of issues.

The leading military figures from Iran and Iraq emphasized their nations’ support for Palestine, stating that the two neighbors share similar opinions regarding the Gaza war.

The senior Iranian commander stated that the two Muslim neighbors also share similar opinions about Palestine and the ongoing Israeli war on Gaza, pointing to the same positions of the Iranian and Iraqi governments and religious leaders about significant regional and global events.

General Baqeri also emphasized Iraq’s importance in Iran’s foreign and defense policy, saying given the regional circumstances, the two nations must foster security and defense cooperation.

The Iranian Armed Forces are willing to share their expertise, experiences, and capacities with Iraq, he said, pointing to Iran’s military advancements in tactical, strategic, and technological domains.

Additionally, the top commander made clear that Iran is prepared to conduct single- or multi-state navy relief and rescue exercises in the Persian Gulf.

For his part, General Abbasi asserted that Iraqis, regardless of their political stance, feel obligated to support the Palestinian people.

The significant advancements Iran has made in the defense sector were also commended by the Iraqi defense minister.

Bagheri arrived in the Iraqi capital Baghdad on Saturday night for a three-day visit. He is in Baghdad upon an invitation by his Iraqi counterpart. Baqeri is accompanied by a number of high-ranking military and political officials.

Upon arrival in the Iraqi capital, the commander and his accompanying delegation visited a site near Baghdad’s international airport where General Soleimani and Iraqi commander Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis were assassinated in a U.S. drone attack in January 2020. Bagheri and his delegation paid tribute to the martyred commanders.