19 March، 2026
The Institute for Political and International Studies (IPIS), in cooperation with Al-Rafidain Center for Dialogue (RCD), organized an electronic forum on Iraqi-Iranian relations in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. A number of heads of international research centers and political forums attended the event. The discussion addressed the significant and rapid changes affecting Iraq, the region, and the world, particularly in the context of a months-long governmental vacuum, societal unrest, and a new wave of ISIS activity threatening peace in Iraq. The forum also covered the range of challenges facing the government led by Mr. Mustafa al-Kadhimi.

Al-Rafidain Center for Dialogue (RCD) was represented at the forum by its Chairman, Sayyed Zaid al-Talaqani, via Skype. He addressed the central questions posed during the event, offering his perspective on Iraq's domestic trajectory and his vision for the future. He also discussed the latest status of the relationship between Iraq and Iran, its prospects for development, its challenges, and an assessment of new developments in both countries. Other topics included joint cooperation and the future of the American presence in Iraq.

Looking toward the future of the region, the attendees unanimously agreed on the necessity of unifying efforts to confront the negative economic and social impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. They stressed the importance of reordering priorities to benefit the populace, moving towards de-escalation of tensions, and emphasizing that the al-Kadhimi government in Iraq must be given a genuine opportunity to undertake the necessary reforms to halt instability, activate state institutions, and enforce the rule of law.