a difficult friendship: elements of continuity and change in iran-iraq relations in post-saddam era

Considering that the greatest threat to iran in the past 400 years has emerged from the geography of iraq (from the time of the ottoman rule and onwards), it must be noted that iraq is one of iran’s most important neighbors. therefore, continuous examination of the shaping factors in iran-iraq relations is crucial. although the history of iran-iraq relations spans over a century, this article seeks to explore, utilizing a historical-comparative method and an analytical approach, the shaping factors of iran-iraq relations from 2003 to 2022. the argument presented in this article suggests that while iran managed to expand its regional influence in the aftermath of the fall of saddam hussein’s regime, and replaced the pattern of hostility and tension of the ba’athist era with a pattern of interaction and cooperation, the element of cooperation and interaction in iran-iraq relations is gradually fading due to changes and developments at domestic, regional and international levels.