The Iraqi government has defended its recent border security agreement with Iran, emphasizing that it is within the nation's rights to make such pacts as part of maintaining its full sovereignty.

This announcement came following criticism from the United States, which expressed concerns over the potential for Iraq to become a 'client state' of Iran.

The pact, signed in Baghdad earlier this week during the visit of Iranian top security official Ali Larijani, aims to enhance coordination between the two countries along their shared border.

This agreement builds on previous security measures taken in March 2023 to boost safety in Iraq's Kurdish region, which Tehran accuses of harboring opposition groups.

Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani framed the pact as part of broader efforts to secure both nations' frontiers and foster regional stability.

Iraqi officials have stated that these measures are intended to curb cross-border infiltration by Iranian Kurdish groups accused by Tehran of fomenting unrest.

The agreement also reflects Baghdad's delicate balancing act between deepening ties with Iran and managing U.S. pressure to rein in pro-Iran militias.

This security pact highlights the ongoing geopolitical tensions involving Iraq, Iran, and the United States as each country seeks to assert its influence and interests in the region.