Tehran emphasized that any foreign interference in Iraq elections is unacceptable, underlining the importance of national sovereignty. Iran’s Foreign Ministry issued a strong statement on Monday, stressing that Iraq elections represent a critical step for the country’s political future.
The comments came after Iraq conducted a special vote on Sunday. Official data showed that 1,340,518 participants took part, including members of the security forces and internally displaced persons. These votes will merge into the final tally following the general election on November 11, where approximately 20 million citizens are expected to cast ballots.
During his weekly briefing, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Ismail Baghaei called Iraq elections a “purely internal matter.” He warned that external interference could undermine the will of the Iraqi people. Baghaei stressed that no matter the results, Iran’s friendly relations with Iraq would remain intact.
He described Iraq as a capable and independent country, capable of managing its diplomatic and political relations with all international actors. Baghaei pointedly criticized past foreign interventions, particularly by the United States, which he said had previously harmed regional stability. He argued that lessons from history showed outside interference often disrupted peace and governance.
The Iranian official expressed hope that the ongoing elections and subsequent political developments would serve the best interests of Iraqi citizens. He added that a stable and autonomous Iraq could positively influence wider regional stability.
Analysts note that Iraq elections carry high stakes for the country’s domestic politics and its international relations. Observers expect the process to shape Baghdad’s future policies, especially in balancing relationships with regional powers. The emphasis on local sovereignty indicates Iran’s strategy to maintain influence while avoiding direct confrontation with external actors.
Looking forward, Iraq’s authorities face the challenge of ensuring a transparent election that respects citizens’ choices. Both the special and general votes are seen as indicators of the population’s broader political sentiment. Experts suggest that the results could determine Iraq’s legislative priorities and foreign policy direction for years to come.
By underscoring its position, Iran signals its commitment to regional cooperation and the principle that Iraq elections must remain free from foreign influence. This stance also highlights the broader geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and the ongoing contest for influence in Baghdad.