Iraq rejects use of its territory for attacks

Iraqi President Nizar Amidi firmly stated that Iraq will not allow its territory to be utilized for launching attacks against any nation, emphasizing that national interests must be prioritized. Speaking at the eighth Baghdad Dialogue Conference, the president highlighted the pressing need to prevent Iraq from becoming entangled in further conflict, noting that the country is already among the most affected by regional war.

Amidi stressed that Iraq's sovereignty dictates all decisions and that the nation is keen to avoid involvement in the war, asserting that weapons should exclusively remain under state control. He vowed that the government is committed to addressing security and economic challenges independently, and affirmed that Iran respects Iraq's sovereign autonomy and has not requested a delay in the arms control file.

Amidi underscored that Iraq's strategic decisions are influenced by national interests, and the government is determined to confront security and economic challenges on its own. He highlighted the significance of the Strait of Hormuz for oil transportation, noting that the country currently lacks a national carrier and that some tankers carrying Iraqi oil are being facilitated through the strait. The strait's impact extends beyond Iraq, affecting the entire world, he said.

The President called for enforcing state control over weaponry, citing the constitutional mandate and the religious authority in Najaf. He urged armed groups to disarm and integrate with the security forces, emphasizing that dialogue and understanding are crucial. Former ISIS fighters should surrender their weapons and join the security forces, he added.

Regarding domestic governance, the president focused on completing the cabinet and passing crucial laws, with the oil and gas law being the most important. Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf reiterated that Iran does not interfere in Iraq's internal affairs and will support any consensus reached by Iraqi groups and officials within the framework of the country's constitution and independence.

Ghalibaf also mentioned that economic cooperation between Iran and Iraq will be operationalized during an upcoming delegation visit to Iran, where discussions on security, political, economic, and cultural issues will be held. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on security and border security was signed between the two countries, reflecting the growing diplomatic engagement between Iraq and Iran.