PM Al-Sudani, U.S. Secretary of Defense reaffirm their commitment to regional stability

Baghdad-INA
 
 
Prime Minister Mohammed S. Al-Sudani received a phone call today, Sunday, from U.S. Secretary of Defense Mr. Pete Hegseth, during which they discussed the strategic partnership between Iraq and the United States and their shared interest in regional stability and security.
 
The Media Office of The Prime Minister stated in a statement, received by The Iraqi News Agency-INA that “Secretary Hegseth reviewed developments related to military operations in Yemen, noting that the United States will continue its operations unless Houthi attacks on U.S. forces and their impact on navigation in the Red Sea cease. He emphasized that Washington does not seek escalation and that military operations will stop immediately once these attacks cease”.
 
The statement added, “Prime Minister Al-Sudani reaffirmed that de-escalation and dialogue are the most effective paths to resolving crises in a region as sensitive and vital as the Middle East. He stressed that this approach represents Iraq’s consistent position in addressing regional challenges, and Iraq will continue to act based on this principle”.
 
The statement confirmed that “Both sides underscored the importance of continued security cooperation within the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS and discussed regional security developments”.
 
The statement further stated “Prime Minister Al-Sudani reiterated Iraq’s commitment to protecting Coalition advisors, who are present in the country at the invitation of the Iraqi government to support efforts in combating ISIS”.
“He also emphasized Iraq’s dedication to ensuring that the use of force remains exclusively within the state’s authority and to enhancing internal stability”.
 
Additionally, both parties reaffirmed their shared commitment to preventing the resurgence of terrorist threats and extremist ideologies, including ISIS, and strengthening ongoing counterterrorism efforts to support regional security.
 
The statement highlighted" The discussion touched on recent successes in targeting and eliminating senior ISIS leaders, with both sides stressing the importance of maintaining a strong and coordinated counterterrorism approach to prevent the organization from rebuilding its capabilities".
 
 The statement further noted “The discussions also addressed regional security dynamics, particularly the concerning situation in Syria. Both sides expressed their determination to prevent ISIS in Syria from posing any threat, especially as the group has acquired new weapons and is reorganizing its ranks, which necessitates a collective international response to prevent any new escalation that could threaten stability”.
 
“Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to regional stability, with Secretary Hegseth reiterating the United States’ long-term commitment to supporting Iraq’s security and stability,” The statement emphasized.
 
 
At the end of the call, both sides emphasized the importance of ongoing dialogue and cooperation to advance shared interests between Iraq and the United States and to work together to maintain peace and security in the region.