Iran’s Top Security Chief to Sign Bilateral Security Agreement in Iraq Before Heading to Lebanon
The security agreement with Iraq is expected to focus on strengthening cooperation in defense and counterterrorism, though details have yet to be disclosed.
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) — The head of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, Ali Larijani, began a three-day regional tour on Monday with an official visit to Iraq, where he is set to sign a bilateral security agreement before travelling to Lebanon, according to AFP.
State television said the trip marks Larijani’s first foreign mission since assuming his post last week. The security agreement with Iraq is expected to focus on strengthening cooperation in defense and counterterrorism, though details have yet to be disclosed.
According to the state-run IRIB News Agency, Larijani, speaking on Monday morning before departing for Iraq, said: “A security agreement between Iran and Iraq is being finalized and will be signed during this trip.” He added, “Iraq is our friend and neighbor, and we share close trade relations.”
Following his visit to Baghdad, Larijani will travel to Beirut for talks with senior Lebanese officials and political figures. His trip to Lebanon comes amid sharp tensions over a government-backed plan to disarm Hezbollah, Tehran’s key ally, which Iran has strongly opposed. Beirut has condemned Tehran’s stance as “flagrant and unacceptable interference.”
Speaking to Iranian state TV before departure, Larijani emphasized the importance of “Lebanese national unity” and reiterated Iran’s long-standing cooperation with Lebanon on regional matters. “Lebanon’s independence is still important to us and we will contribute to it,” he said.
The disarmament push follows last year’s war between Israel and Hezbollah, which left the group weakened and heightened fears of further Israeli military escalation if the militia remains armed.
Larijani, 68, was appointed to lead the Supreme National Security Council after a 12-day war with Israel in June, triggered by an unprecedented Israeli attack on Iranian military and nuclear sites. The council is tasked with shaping Iran’s defense and security policy, with all decisions requiring approval from Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
