Iraq’s Security Dialogues and Turkiye-Egypt Reconciliation Signal New Strategic Alliances

IRAQ

1.Iraq-Iran Discussions Unfold: Security Agreements, Militia Challenges, and Notable Assassination.

On Monday, Iraq’s Prime Minister Muhammad Shia al-Sudani met with Ali Akbar Ahmadian, Secretary-General of the Iranian Supreme National Security Council, and his delegation in Baghdad, expressing Iraq’s opposition to any unilateral actions by countries that violate international norms of sovereignty. Al-Sudani highlighted Iraq’s dedication to regional stability, and Ahmadian reiterated Iran’s commitment to Iraq’s security, confirming adherence to their security agreement. Interestingly, during his first visit to Baghdad since June 2023,  Ahmadian, paid homage at Qasem Suleimani’s killing site. 

Conversely, reports emerged about Iranian-backed militias in Iraq pressing the Iraqi government for authorization to store their weapons in government military bases demonstrating their concerns of future American strikes. 

In a related incident, Naji Al-Kaabi, a prominent figure of the Iran-backed Shiite militia and political group Asaib Ahl al-Haq, was assassinated by gunmen in eastern Iraq. This follows the militia’s critique of the U.S. military presence in Iraq, questioning the legality of foreign bases on Iraqi soil.

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TURKIYE & EGYPT

2.Turkiye-Egypt Reconciliation: Erdogan’s Upcoming Visit and Historic Drone Agreement. 

The Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan announced during his visit today that his country has signed an agreement to supply combat drones to Egypt, marking a pivotal step in the reconciliation process between the two countries. This move underscores the significance of Turkish-Egyptian relations for regional security and trade, particularly in the Mediterranean. Following nearly a decade of tensions, this development precedes Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s official visit to Cairo in mid-February, the first in about 11 years. Erdogan’s visit aims to build new foundations for bilateral relations at a time of potential regional conflicts, focusing on issues such as the Israeli conflict in Gaza, economic ties, the Eastern Mediterranean gas dispute, and the Libyan crisis, while recognizing natural differences on certain topics.