Iraq’s prime minister, UN envoy discuss winding down UN mission

BAGHDAD — Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani met Tuesday with Mohamed Al-Hassan, the United Nations Special Representative for Iraq, to discuss Iraq-UN relations, ongoing collaborative initiatives, and progress toward concluding the UN Assistance Mission for Iraq by December 2025.

The meeting also covered regional developments, including the escalating conflict in Gaza and southern Lebanon. Al-Sudani expressed gratitude for the UN’s support since 2003 and highlighted the importance of guidance from Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani in navigating Iraq’s path forward.

On Monday, Al-Hassan met with Ayatollah Al-Sistani in Najaf to discuss ways to bolster Iraq’s security and regional standing. In a statement from Sistani’s office, the Ayatollah acknowledged Iraq’s substantial challenges and urged leaders and informed citizens to “learn from past experiences and work tirelessly to ensure a better future for all Iraqis, with security, stability, and prosperity.” Sistani underscored the need for scientific and practical governance rooted in efficiency and integrity, reducing foreign interference, enforcing the rule of law, restricting arms to state institutions, and combating corruption at all levels.

Al-Hassan, an Omani diplomat with over 30 years of experience, was appointed as the UN’s Special Representative for Iraq by UN Secretary-General António Guterres in July. He succeeded Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert in this role and now leads UNAMI in its mission to support Iraq’s stability, democratic governance, and humanitarian goals.

Full statement from PM Al-Sudani’s media office:

Prime Minister Mohammed S. Al-Sudani met today, the Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General for Iraq, Mr. Mohamed Al Hassan. The meeting reviewed relations and joint programs between Iraq and the United Nations and discussed progress toward concluding the UNAMI mission.

They also discussed the latest developments in the region, the aggression on Gaza and southern Lebanon and the ongoing genocide perpetrated by Israeli forces.

The Prime Minister praised the United Nations mission for its support of Iraq in facing challenges since 2003, noting the critical junctures and hardships the Iraqi people have endured. He emphasized the significance of the insights shared by His Eminence, Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, during his meeting with Mr. Al-Hassan, which identified Iraq’s needs and the people’s aspirations—elements that the government has incorporated into its current priorities and action plan.