Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi has told the United States that Baghdad will not allow its territory to be used to attack neighbouring countries, his office said. He made the point in a phone call with US President Donald Trump on Thursday, as diplomatic efforts intensify to prevent renewed American strikes on Iran.
Separately, Iraq’s foreign minister warned that a new war on Iran would be a “disaster” for Iraq. Iraq, which borders Iran, has struggled to balance US and Iranian interests since Trump launched the war in February.
Prime minister stresses sovereignty and dialogue
According to al-Zaidi’s office, the two leaders discussed the evolving situation in the region, security developments and what may come next. The statement said the prime minister called for respect for national sovereignty and stressed that Iraqi land should not serve as a base for strikes on neighbouring states.
Also read: Iran and US explore talks as renewed war threats grow · Iran warns of wider war if US attacks after Trump losses
He also emphasised that diplomacy and dialogue are needed to protect the security and stability of the region, the office said. Since taking office in May, al-Zaidi has made the disarmament of all militias in the country a priority, including several powerful pro-Iran groups that carried out attacks across the region during the war.
Foreign minister warns against spillover into Iraqi society
Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein told a television interview on Thursday that the prospect of renewed US military strikes on Iran is “not a secret”. He warned Iraqi armed groups against joining any Iranian retaliation.
“Pushing Iraqi society into the war will lead to a disaster,” he said. “We are not prepared for war. Neither Iraqi society nor the armed forces are prepared for war.”
Hussein said Iraq had already become a battlefield after the US struck Iran, with attacks coming from the US, Iran and armed groups inside the country. “We are not part of any axis,” he said, adding that Iraq has good relations with both Washington and Tehran and needs a clear policy of staying out of the conflict.
Oil revenues hit by Strait of Hormuz disruption
Iraq has lost more than $60bn in oil revenues since the war began. About 90 percent of its oil exports normally pass through the Strait of Hormuz, and these were largely cut off when Tehran closed the waterway.
Oil accounts for about 90 percent of Iraq’s federal budget. Iraq has, however, been one of the few countries granted an exemption by Iran to pass freely through the strait.
