1. Iran and Iraq are two interconnected and inseparable nations

We – Iran and Iraq – are two nations which are interconnected. Our bodies, our hearts and our souls are connected together. What has created this connection is faith in Allah and love for Ahlul Bayt (greetings be upon them) and for Hussein ibn Ali (praise be upon him). And by Allah’s favor, this will increase on a daily basis. The enemies will hatch plots, but it will be of no avail. From the beginning of the Islamic Revolution until today, it has been 40 years that the US, its cohorts, its agents and its mercenaries have been scheming and doing various activities. They spend money, issue threats and impose sanctions.

However, despite their foolish desires, in the past 40 years, the Islamic Republic has changed from a thin sapling to a strong tree: “Whose root is firmly fixed, and its branches reach to the heavens.” [The Holy Quran, 24: 14] [Audience chant death to America and death to Israel]. I hope that by Allah’s favor, the slogan that you are chanting against the US and the Zionist regime and against the enemies and the arrogant will be realized in a not-too-distant future. And by Allah’s favor, you will succeed in doing that. Sep 18, 2019

2. Iran-Iraq relations extend beyond the two neighboring countries

The relations between the Islamic Republic of Iran and Iraq is beyond simple ties between two neighboring countries and the Iranian nation and state consider the progress and prosperity of the Iraqi nation as part of their own interests; however, the U.S. officials—contrary to their verbal remarks—assume the democracy and the current assembly of political activists in Iraq as detrimental to themselves. Therefore the Iraqi government should take actions so that U.S. troops will leave Iraq as soon as possible. At the early periods of its presence in Iraq, the U.S. assassinated many of the Iraqi scientists; because they understood the importance of this valuable asset.

The U.S. officials and their cohorts in the region are against the current democratic establishment in Iraq as well as the officials and the chief leaders and regard them as offensive to their own interests. Comprehensive awareness is required; because if they notice the slightest weakness in the Iraqi government and nation, they will start to commit crimes again. Apr 6, 2019

3. The Iraqi people are a great nation with an ancient history

The people of Iraq are a great people who have an ancient history and who enjoy a very important capacity which is the existence of powerful and vigilant youth. Therefore, this capacity should be benefitted from in order to help Iraq reach the position that it deserves. The Arbaeen-Day rallies are an example of such friendly relations during which the people of Iraq show maximum kindness and sympathy in hosting the Iranian pilgrims. The officials of the two countries of Iran and Iraq should make the most of this environment and this opportunity for the interests of the two countries.” Nov 24, 2015

4. Iraq is one of the most influential and important Islamic, Arab countries in regional matters

Considering its position, Iraq can definitely influence regional issues and this capacity should be utilized more than before. Iraqi officials and different groups in this country should rigorously protect this advantage and they should not allow some possible differences to undermine the historical achievements of the people of Iraq. May 13, 2015

5. Some countries don’t want the Iraqi people to experience victory and tranquillity

The bond between the two nations is matchless and the great Walk of Arbaeen is one example of it. Upon their return, the hearts of all Iranian pilgrims were filled with gratitude for the Iraqi nation's hospitality and this indicates the utmost generosity of Iraqis in welcoming Iranian pilgrims. This hospitality and bond which was combined with love and kindness between the two nations cannot be expressed except through the language of arts. Now that after eras of the rule of arrogance, the Iraqi nation owns the country and enjoys independence, the right to vote and self-determination, some spiteful governments seek to deprive the Iraqi people of enjoying this great victory and achievement and deny Iraq and this region peace.

The only solution in confronting such conspiracies is safeguarding and strengthening the unity among Iraqi groups including Arabs, Kurds, Shias and Sunnis. Some states within or outside our region are very hostile against Islam, Shia, Sunni and Iraq, and they interfere in the internal affairs of Iraq. These enemies should be resisted powerfully, and with regard to resisting against the blatant and impudent enemy, no compromise should be made. The officials of the Islamic Republic of Iran are determined and look forward to expanding relations with Iraq. I also strongly believe in it. Nov 17, 2018

6. What is the U.S. looking for in Iraq?

The great capacities of the volunteering people will be efficient and influential for the future progress of Iraq in different arenas. The great capacities of the volunteer forces is a reliable source of support in different arenas and extends beyond the arena of war. The past experience of the Iraqi people regarding English colonialism and their present experience about the American imperialism shows that the ill-wishers of the people of Iraq have never welcomed the emergence of a great popular force on the scene. Therefore, this popular investment should be protected.

We should stand up against this plot and fitna in an intelligent and careful way and we should not allow the unity of Shias and Sunnis, and Kurds and Arabs to be undermined in your country. The Islamic Republic of Iran supports the unity of revolutionary fighters in Iraq. It is necessary for the people and officials of Iraq to be careful about foreigners' attempt to create discord and they should do so in an intelligent way. On the one hand, the Americans are after looting the wealth of Iraq as they did so in some Arab countries in the region and on the other hand, they are trying to impose their demands the way they did so in the past. But they should not be allowed to achieve their goal. Jun 17, 2015

7. Enemies seek to fragment Iraq

In the structure of the Iraqi government, the president enjoys a special position and he can play an efficient role in decreasing discord and increasing unity. It is many centuries now that the people of Iraq – including Shias, Sunnis, Arabs and Kurds – have been living together, but unfortunately, some regional and foreign countries are after magnifying discord. This effort should be confronted and any course of action that leads to the emergence of discord should be avoided. Things should not develop in a way that the Americans dare to speak about the dismembering of Iraq in an open way. Why should a country like Iraq – which is a large and rich country and which enjoys a millennium-long history – be dismembered into smaller regions so much so that it is always subject to conflicts and quarrels?

Iraqi officials will undoubtedly coordinate their relations with other countries - including America - on the basis of the interests of the Iraqi nation, but the Americans should not be allowed to consider Iraq as their personal property and to make any statement and adopt any course of action that they like. In the present time, the Iraqi youth have awakened. They have understood what power and capabilities they have. Without a doubt, such youth will not give in to American domination.” The Leader of the Islamic Revolution described the existence of the volunteer forces that fight against DAESH as a clear manifestation of Iraqi youth’s awakening and power, stressing: “The capacities and capabilities of Iraqi youth should be utilized more than the past in order to help Iraq reach the position that it deserves. There should be an effort to increase the volume of economic cooperation between the two countries. Nov 24, 2015

8. The policy of the arrogant powers in Iraq is to divide and weaken the system

The policies of arrogant powers in the region are treacherous policies: clearly treacherous. In Iraq, the policy of arrogant powers is to overthrow the government that is based on election, majority and democracy. They are after this. They want to weaken and create obstacles for it so that it cannot work. They want to pit Shia and Sunni in Iraq against each other. We have seen Iraq before these events. Shia and Sunni used to live together and marry each other, but today, they have to stand up and pull guns against each other. And their ultimate goal is to disintegrate Iraq, but our policy is the exact opposite of theirs. We believe that the election-based government of Iraq should be strengthened. We believe that those who are creating domestic discord should be confronted and resisted and that the territorial integrity of Iraq should be preserved. This policy is the exact opposite of the policy of arrogance in Iraq. Jul 18, 2015