Funeral Ceremony of Ayatollah Sistani’s Wife in Tehran: Rouhani and Larijani Attend in a Sign of Political Unity

The Historical Context of Iran-Iraq Religious and Political Relations

The Role of Shia Islam in Iran and Iraq

Shia Islam forms the spiritual foundation of both Iran and Iraq, shaping their political and cultural identities. Iran, home to the largest Shia population, has long been a center of Shia religious scholarship, with Qom and Mashhad serving as prominent religious hubs. Iraq, with its holy cities of Najaf and Karbala, is considered a pivotal center of Shia religious authority.

Historical Ties and Conflicts

The relationship between Iran and Iraq has been complex, marked by periods of cooperation, conflict, and reconciliation. The Iran-Iraq War (1980-1988) was a devastating conflict rooted partly in religious and territorial disputes, but despite past tensions, both nations have maintained strong religious and cultural ties, especially among their Shia communities.

The Impact of the 2003 Iraq Invasion

The fall of Saddam Hussein in 2003 dramatically altered Iraq’s political landscape, leading to increased influence of Iranian-backed Shia political parties and religious figures. Iran’s support for Iraqi Shia militias and political groups has been a key factor in shaping Iraq’s post-2003 stability.

October 4, 2025 | 1:15 pm