Iraq’s military leadership meets to address security concerns amid rising regional tensions

BAGHDAD — Iraq’s Chief of Staff of the Army, General Abdul Amir Rashid Yarallah, chaired a key security meeting on Sunday to discuss the country’s preparedness for emerging challenges and threats. The meeting brought together top military leaders from Iraq’s land, air, army aviation, and air defence branches, as well as the Director of Planning, according to a statement from the Ministry of Defense.

The discussions focused on Iraq’s current security situation and the potential risks posed by regional instability. “The meeting addressed the overall security situation in the region and the challenges it faces,” the ministry said. Attendees reviewed the readiness of Iraqi security forces to ensure they are prepared “against any unforeseen emergencies.”

Iraq’s military leadership emphasised the need for vigilance and proactive measures as the country navigates an evolving security landscape. The Ministry of Defense reiterated its commitment to providing the “highest levels of security for the country” and safeguarding Iraq from potential external and internal threats.

This meeting follows rising regional tensions, particularly after the assassination of Hezbollah Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah and escalating military conflict in Lebanon. The Iraqi government, led by the Shia Coordination Framework—dominated by Iran-backed factions—has been a vocal supporter of Hezbollah and Hamas in their conflict with Israel. Some of these militias, including Kataib Hezbollah, have formed the Islamic Resistance in Iraq, which has escalated its drone and missile attacks on Israeli targets in recent days.

On Sept. 28, Lebanese media outlet Al-Akhbar reported that the IRI had declared its readiness for “a comprehensive war with Israel” in response to a series of massive Israeli strikes on Beirut’s southern suburbs. Last week, Kataib Hezbollah pledged to send 100,000 fighters to Lebanon in support of Hezbollah’s operations against Israel.

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shiaa al-Sudani reaffirmed Iraq’s support for Lebanon during a meeting with Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati at the UN General Assembly in New York. This situation had been highlighted by the Kurdistan Presidency, which expressed “deep concerns” about the escalating tensions. The presidency warned that these developments pose a serious threat to regional security and called on all parties to “act with wisdom and restraint” to prevent further deterioration and safeguard stability.