evidence: Iran and Iraq’s cultural and religious ties date back centuries. The two countries share an almost 1,000 mile-long (1,599 kilometer-long) border, and the adjacent regions, particularly Khuzestan and Basra, have been the subject of territorial disputes.2 Notably, how to mark the borders of the Shatt al-Arab river fueled tensions prior to the Iraq-Iran war.3 In an effort to address these issues, Algerian President Houari Boumediene facilitated the signing of the 1975 Algiers Agreement between Iraq and Iran.4 This diplomatic effort focused on resolving the border disputes, especially around the Shatt al-Arab waterway, which holds strategic importance for oil exports.5 As per the agreement, Iraq and Iran decided to mark their border along the river’s thalweg.6 Additionally, Iran agreed to stop supporting Kurdish rebels in northern Iraq.7 This agreement briefly reduced tensions. However, it did not fully address deeper issues like territorial and ideological ambitions.