Iran and Iraq have signed an agreement to boost military cooperation and to battle against “terrorism and extremism”.
The memorandum of understanding on defense and cooperation was signed between Iraqi Defense minister Major General Erfan al-Hiyali and his Iranian counterpart Brigadier General Hossein Dehqan.
The expansion of cooperation and sharing experiences in the fields of fight against terrorism and extremism, border security, training, logistics, technical and military supports were included in the memorandum.
The Iraqi defense minister thanked Iran for its help in fighting Islamic State (IS, formerly ISIS/ISIL). Al-Hiyali also stressed the crucial role of the Iraqi Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) militia in the liberation of Mosul.
Iran and Iraq fought a bloody 1980-88 war during the reign of Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein. But bilateral ties have improved after Hussein was ousted in 2003 and a government led by Shi’ite Muslims took power in Baghdad. Iran is a predominately Shi’ite nation.
