As part of his official visit to Iraq, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf traveled to the holy city of Najaf to honor Iraq's anti-terror martyrs. The event, held on March 20, drew attention from regional media.
According to the IRNA news agency, Ghalibaf laid wreaths at memorial sites where those who died fighting the self-proclaimed Islamic State (IS) terrorist group are laid to rest. This was one of the key activities during his trip aimed at boosting bilateral ties between Tehran and Baghdad.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Iranian Parliament Speaker stressed: “Remembering the martyrs is a way for us to appreciate their great sacrifices in defending Iraq's sovereignty and territorial integrity. Solidarity among regional nations is vital to counter terrorist forces and external interference.”
Ghalibaf's visit comes as the two countries expand cooperation across sectors, from economy and energy to security and defense. Earlier, he held talks with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani and Parliament Speaker Mahmoud al-Mashhadani, focusing on border issues, trade, and cross-border counterterrorism coordination.
Najaf is one of Shiite Islam's holiest cities and plays a key role in the region's religious and political life. Choosing it as a stop highlights Iran's respect for Iraq's religious and cultural heritage and underscores the close coordination between the neighboring states.
Analysts view the senior Iranian official's visit as helping build trust and paving the way for deeper cooperation between Tehran and Baghdad, while sending a message of a united regional front against shared security and development challenges.
