Iraq's PM Al-Zaidi Assures Trump Baghdad Won't Be Used for Attacks, Warns Iran Conflict is a 'Disaster'

Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi has communicated to the United States that Iraq will not permit its territory to be utilized for launching attacks against neighboring countries. Concurrently, Iraq's Foreign Minister has issued a warning, stating that a new war involving Iran would prove to be a "disaster" for Iraq.

According to a statement from his office, Prime Minister al-Zaidi engaged in a phone conversation with US President Donald Trump on Thursday. This discussion occurred amidst escalating diplomatic efforts aimed at preventing further US military actions against Iran. The two leaders "discussed the evolving situation in the region, security developments, and prospects for the next phase," as stated by al-Zaidi's office.

The Prime Minister reiterated Iraq's stance, emphasizing the "call for respect for the sovereignty of states and for Iraqi territory not to be used as a launching point for attacks against neighbouring countries." He also highlighted the critical need for diplomacy and dialogue to ensure the region's security and stability.

Iraq, which shares a border with Iran, has been navigating a delicate balance between US and Iranian interests since the US initiated its war on Iran in February. Since assuming office in May, Prime Minister al-Zaidi has prioritized the disarmament of all armed groups within Iraq, including several influential pro-Iran factions that have conducted attacks across the region in support of Iran during the ongoing conflict.

Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein informed Dijlah TV on Thursday that the possibility of renewed US military strikes against Iran is "not a secret." He cautioned Iraqi armed groups against participating in any retaliatory actions by Iran, stating, "Pushing Iraqi society into the war will lead to a disaster." He further emphasized, "We are not prepared for war. Neither Iraqi society nor the armed forces are prepared for war."

Hussein elaborated that Iraq has become a de facto battlefield following the US strikes on Iran, with the country experiencing attacks from both the US and Iran, as well as from internal armed groups. "We are not part of any axis, and we do not want to let the Iraqi arena be turned into a battlefield," he asserted. "We have good relations with the US and with our neighbour Iran… We need a clear policy that we are not a part of the war, and we do not want to be a part of the war."

Since the commencement of the war, Iraq has incurred losses exceeding $60 billion in oil revenues. Approximately 90 percent of its usual oil exports transit through the Strait of Hormuz, a route that was largely disrupted when Tehran closed the waterway. Given that oil constitutes about 90 percent of Iraq's federal budget, this disruption has had a significant economic impact. Despite these challenges, Iraq has been among the few nations granted exemptions by Iran to maintain passage through the Strait of Hormuz.