Iran and Iraq have signed four agreements and memoranda of understanding (MoUs) aimed at deepening cooperation in transportation, infrastructure, municipal affairs, and public administration. The pacts were formalized during Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Falih Al-Zaidi’s official visit to Tehran, highlighting the two neighbors’ commitment to enhanced economic and strategic partnership.
The signing ceremony took place in the presence of senior officials from both countries and was attended by Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Prime Minister Al-Zaidi. The agreements were executed by high-level ministers and officials following bilateral discussions at Saadabad Palace.
Details of the Signed Agreements
1. Cross-Border Road Freight Transportation Agreement
This agreement focuses on facilitating the smoother movement of goods across the shared border, aiming to boost trade efficiency and reduce logistical bottlenecks between the two nations.
2. MoU for the Development of the Kermanshah–Khosravi–Khanaqin–Baghdad Railway
A significant infrastructure initiative, this memorandum outlines plans to develop a key railway link connecting western Iran to Baghdad via Khanaqin. The project is expected to improve passenger and cargo connectivity, support regional trade, and integrate with broader transportation networks, including Iraq’s Development Road project.
3. Twin-City (Sister Cities) Agreement Between Tehran and Baghdad
This accord establishes Tehran and Baghdad as twin cities, promoting cooperation between the Baghdad Mayoralty and Tehran Municipality in areas such as urban development, services, and municipal affairs.
4. MoU on Cooperation in Public Administration, Training, and Human Resources
The memorandum emphasizes collaboration in governance capacity-building, professional training, and human resource development to strengthen institutional ties.
The agreements come amid ongoing efforts to expand economic ties between Iran and Iraq, two countries with deep historical, cultural, and religious connections. During their meeting, President Pezeshkian and Prime Minister Al-Zaidi reportedly affirmed that the security of both nations is “interconnected.”
Prime Minister Al-Zaidi’s visit to Tehran is part of a wider regional diplomatic tour that will also take him to Türkiye and Saudi Arabia. The trip follows his recent engagements in the United States, reflecting Baghdad’s active role in regional diplomacy and economic outreach.
These pacts are seen as practical steps toward realizing long-discussed projects in rail and road connectivity, which could significantly enhance bilateral trade volumes and people-to-people exchanges. Analysts view them as part of a broader push to institutionalize cooperation beyond energy and security into infrastructure and governance.
The developments were widely reported by official Iranian and Iraqi sources, with images and footage from the signing ceremony circulating on state media and social platforms.
As both countries continue to navigate complex regional dynamics, today’s agreements underscore a shared interest in stability, economic growth, and closer integration. Further details on implementation timelines and investment frameworks are expected to emerge in the coming weeks.
