Iran and Iraq Emphasize Dialogue Amid Regional Tensions

Middle Eastern outlets describe Iran using talks with Iraq to promote a regional order less dependent on the US while still speaking the language of dialogue. Iran’s leadership is presented as pushing Islamic countries to close their territory to US forces and to coordinate politically against Washington and Israel. Commentators expect Gulf monarchies, Iraq, and other neighbors to face growing pressure to choose between long-standing US ties and closer alignment with Iran and its partners.

• •Iranian leaders use meetings with Iraqi President Abdul Latif Rashid to argue that US bases should no longer be protected by regional governments.
• •Tehran presents its offer of 'constructive dialogue' on a new West Asia security equation as an alternative to US-led security guarantees.
• •Iranian officials insist that US military withdrawal from West Asia would make the region more stable and safer.
• •Regional media describe the closure of the Strait of Hormuz as proof that the old Gulf security model centered on the US has broken down.
• •Iran’s Supreme Leader calls on Islamic countries to coordinate politically against both the US and Israel in response to the war.