The Iranian Position on the Occupation and Liberation of Mosul from ISIS and Its Impact on Iraqi-Iranian Relations

Abstract

Post-2003 Iraq represented an opportunity for Iran that could not, under any circumstances, be missed by the decision-makers in that country, especially since the relationship with the previous regime was considered amicable and tense at the best of times, and therefore, when the Iraqi opposition assumed power, which was linked to strong relations and bonds. It is very strong with Iran, and in light of that, the latter invested in those relations at all levels, whether strategic, security, commercial, or political, and was able, over the course of successive governments, starting from the Jaafari government in 2005, until the second government of Maliki, to conclude agreements and understandings that led to more influence. The Iranian government in Iraq. In the midst of these achievements that no previous Iranian government and throughout history was unable to achieve on Iraqi soil, the latest came on June 10, 2014. It was a shock and it fell into their hands when the occupation of Mosul was announced and the terrorists advanced towards other cities, and the danger approached the outskirts of Baghdad, and here Iran was quick to announce that it was providing all kinds of support and support to the Maliki government, and this Iranian aid and assistance was accompanied by the issuance of the authority, Sayyid al-Sistani, for the jihad fatwa. Al-Kifa’i, and more than one million seven hundred thousand volunteers went to the volunteer centers in the southern and south-central governorates to meet the intentions of the Sistani authority, and to announce the succession of events and the continuation of the battles and reach the great success in the operation to liberate Mosul. The reactions of the Iranian officials were extremely satisfying and even expressive of overwhelming joy at the success. An improvised Iranian strategy that worked, it is not surprising that the first person to congratulate Iraq on the victory was the Iranian president, more than ten days before the Iraqi announcement, that is, on June 30, 2017. This is an indication of the intensive follow-up and effective role of Iran in the Iraqi arena.