TEHRAN -- Twenty-six prominent Iraqi and Arab-language poets have gathered in Mashhad for talks aimed at expanding literary and cultural cooperation with Iranian religious poets, bringing together writers whose work has focused heavily on religious themes and the discourse of resistance.
The meeting, organized with the Office of Poetry and Literature of the International Imam Reza Foundation, was held at the Fatemiyeh Hotel to mark the birth anniversaries of the Prophet Muhammad and Imam Ja’far al-Sadiq. Poets and cultural figures from Iran and Iraq discussed ways to develop closer and more sustained literary exchanges.
Seyyed Hussein Sidi, director of the foundation’s Office of Poetry and Literature, said the visiting poets had played a significant role in articulating the resistance discourse in Iran and Iraq through their poetry, including works dedicated to Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei.
Sidi said the gathering was intended to establish direct and continuing links between religious poets in Mashhad and their Iraqi and Arab-language counterparts, creating a network through which literary cooperation could extend beyond individual events.
The meeting also brought together cultural and literary figures and a number of Iraqi cultural officials. Participants introduced the literary capacities of both sides and discussed areas for joint work. 
According to Sidi, it was agreed that communication among the poets would continue through online platforms, with more specialized literary gatherings to be planned in the future.

He described the initiative as a step toward strengthening cultural diplomacy and increasing cooperation among poets associated with the resistance movement.
The literary exchange will also move into the public space of Mashhad’s Imam Reza Shrine. A number of the visiting poets are scheduled to recite their work for pilgrims and local residents at the Ghadir Courtyard of the shrine.
The gathering underscores the role of poetry as a vehicle for cultural exchange between Iran and Iraq, particularly within the shared religious and literary traditions of Arabic- and Persian-speaking communities. 
By establishing continuing contact between poets and cultural institutions, organizers hope to turn a single gathering into a longer-term network of literary collaboration.