Baghdad/Tehran – July 21, 2025
In a dramatic declaration of regional solidarity, Mahmoud al‑Mashhadani, Speaker of the Iraqi Council of Representatives, praised Iran for achieving what he called a “great victory” over Israel during last month’s brief, but intense conflict. His remarks, made during a meeting with an Iranian parliamentary delegation in Baghdad, underscored growing political ties between Baghdad and Tehran—while highlighting a new chapter in Middle Eastern geopolitical dynamics.
🎖 Baghdad’s Endorsement of Tehran
Al‑Mashhadani told the delegation from Iran’s National Security and Foreign Policy Committee that Iran had emerged triumphant despite facing overwhelming odds. “The Israeli regime had the direct support of the United States and other countries in the recent imposed war,” he noted, yet said “Iran achieved a great victory over the Israeli regime”
PressTV
+2
Mehr News Agency
+2
IRNA English
+2
.
He further emphasized that while Israeli forces retreated to shelters and lived in fear, the Iranian people continued their lives openly—“mocking the Zionist regime” from their rooftops during the 12‑day conflict
Mehr News Agency
. According to Mashhadani, this contrast revealed a stark psychological and moral triumph for Iran.
🛡 Sowing Strategic Solidarity
Echoing regional unity, al‑Mashhadani declared that Iraq would stand by Iran in the event of future aggression: “If Iran is attacked, Iraq will stand by it.” He pointed to shared policies and mutual interests, and warned against the violation of Iraqi airspace—accusing Israel of using it during the military strikes on Iranian territory, which he described as breaching Iraq’s red lines
Deutsche Welle
+8
IRNA English
+8
PressTV
+8
.
He also reminded the delegation of Iran’s historic role in supporting Iraq’s fight against the Islamic State—an act that continues to earn respect and foster alliance between the two nations
IRNA English
.
📌 Context of the “Great Victory”
The conflict began on June 13, when Israel launched airstrikes on multiple Iranian sites—including nuclear facilities and military command centers—reportedly killing Iranian military and nuclear figures
Good Morning America
+10
IRNA English
+10
PressTV
+10
. Within days, the United States joined with strikes on Iranian nuclear infrastructure. Iran responded with missile barrages across Israel and even targeted U.S. military installations in Qatar
PressTV
IRNA English
.
The hostilities concluded on June 24, when Iran announced a halt to retaliation, citing a ceasefire and successful defense of its sovereignty
PressTV
IRNA English
. Now both Tehran and Baghdad are positioning this short conflict as a display of resilience.
⚖️ Regional Implications of Iraqi Support
Al‑Mashhadani framed his statements as a testament to a strong Arab‑Persian alliance, remarking, “The people of Iran are a source of pride for Iraqis… Iran and Iraq are two neighboring countries that have common policies and interests”
PressTV
+2
Mehr News Agency
+2
IRNA English
+2
. He further called for Muslim nations to unite and bolster solidarity in response to Western military interventions
PressTV
+1
The Guardian
+1
.
His remarks come as Iraq faces a delicate balancing act—maintaining deep ties with both Iran and the U.S. even as domestic public opinion shifts amid regional tensions.
👀 What Comes Next?
Strengthening Parliamentary Ties: Iraq’s endorsement may pave the way for sustained defense and economic cooperation between Tehran and Baghdad, including intelligence sharing.
Heightened Iraqi–Iranian Unity: By framing the conflict as a shared regional victory, both countries seek to coalesce supporters and formalize a regional “Axis of Resistance.”
Tension with Washington: As Iraq aligns more closely with Iran, U.S.–Iraqi relations—already strained—could face further political torque, impacting military coordination and aid flows.
As Iraq’s legislative leadership hails Iran’s campaign as a victory, the move signals evolving allegiances—and sets the stage for new regional dynamics. Whether shared political resolve will translate into strategic cooperation, or invite further tensions with Western partners, remains to be seen.