Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi says the withdrawal of US military forces from Iraq’s Ain al-Asad base will strengthen Iraq’s national sovereignty, describing the move as a clear sign of growing independence and stability in the Arab country.
Iran describes handover of Ain Al-Asad air base as sign of strengthening Iraqi sovereignty
— IRNA News Agency (@IrnaEnglish) January 18, 2026
Tehran, IRNA – Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has welcomed the handover of the Ain Al-Asad Air Base to Iraqi forces, describing it as another sign of strengthening stability and… pic.twitter.com/gwewoPBdkR
Araghchi made the remarks on Sunday during a joint press conference with his Iraqi counterpart, Fuad Hussein, following their meeting in Tehran, where the two sides discussed bilateral relations as well as regional and international developments.
“The withdrawal of US military forces from the Ain al-Asad base and the end of the UNAMI mission are clear indications of the consolidation of independence, stability, and national sovereignty in Iraq,” Araghchi stated.
“The Islamic Republic of Iran has always sought a strong and independent Iraq and believes that the country has the necessary capacities to play a key role in regional peace and stability.”
He noted that the meeting followed recent elections in Iraq and marked a new step toward planning the development of relations between the two countries.
“The regional role of Iraq is on an upward trajectory, and our Iraqi friends have shown that they can play a positive role in dialogue and resolving problems,” he added, saying the two sides had discussed joint proposals to advance peace in the region.
Araghchi also stated that Iran and Iraq are seeking to reach a “strategic cooperation agreement,” reiterating that Tehran supports “a stable Iraq with independent political sovereignty.”
Iran, Iraq Security Intertwined with Regional Security: Hussein
For his part, Hussein said security in Iraq and Iran is inseparable from the security of the wider region.
“We believe that the security of Iraq and Iran is part of the region’s security. The security of the Iranian people is important to us, just as the security of the region is important,” he said.
Hussein noted that regional officials he met ahead of his trip to Tehran had emphasized the interconnected nature of regional security.
Iran and Iraq agreed on the “indivisibility of regional security,” the need for non-interference in internal affairs, and the continuation of consultations to address regional challenges, he added.
He also said he was briefed on the situation in Iran in the wake of recent deadly foreign-backed riots across the country.
Last month, some shopkeepers staged peaceful protests in various Iranian cities over economic grievances, which are directly linked to unilateral US sanctions.
The demonstrations, however, were steered toward violence after public statements by US and Israeli regime figures encouraged vandalism and disorder.
During the unrest, foreign-backed armed rioters damaged public property and caused casualties among civilians and security forces.
Source: Press tv