Iraqi PM, US Secretary of State discuss Middle East tensions in phone call

BAGHDAD — Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani and U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken discussed escalating tensions in the Middle East during a phone call on Tuesday, according to readouts from both offices.

Al-Sudani’s media office reported that the prime minister expressed concern over the security risks stemming from “Zionist aggression” in Gaza and Lebanon, urging the U.S. and other powers to work toward ending the conflict.

In a readout from the U.S. State Department, spokesperson Matthew Miller said Blinken and Al-Sudani also reviewed diplomatic moves to secure hostages’ release in Gaza and address the situation along Lebanon’s Blue Line border. Blinken additionally urged Iraq to control armed groups launching unauthorized attacks from its territory, including those by Iran-aligned militias targeting U.S. personnel in Iraq and Syria. The two leaders affirmed ongoing consultations on regional stability and their commitment to strengthening the U.S.-Iraq strategic partnership.

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

Prime Minister Mohammed S. Al-Sudani received a phone call from U.S. Secretary of State, Mr. Antony Blinken today, Tuesday.

During the call, Prime Minister Al-Sudani discussed with Secretary Blinken the serious risks posed by the ongoing Zionist aggression in Gaza and Lebanon, highlighting its impact on regional and global security and stability. He urged the United States and other major powers to intensify their efforts to end the conflict.

The Prime Minister emphasized the importance of sustained efforts to alleviate the severe humanitarian impact of the conflict, calling for intensified relief operations to deliver aid to civilians within conflict zones and to those displaced by the war.

Readout from Secretary Blinken’s Call with Iraqi Prime Minister Sudani, Office of the Spokesperson:

The below is attributable to Spokesperson Matthew Miller:

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shiaa al-Sudani yesterday.  The Secretary and Prime Minister discussed ongoing diplomatic efforts to end the war in Gaza and secure the release of all hostages.  They also discussed diplomatic efforts to reach a resolution in Lebanon that ensures citizens on both sides of the Blue Line can return to their homes.  The Secretary called on the Iraqi government to fulfill its commitments to protect U.S. personnel and to pursue those responsible for attacks from Iraq on U.S. personnel in Iraq and Syria, including from attacks by Iran-aligned militias.  The Secretary emphasized it is important that Iraq not be drawn into regional conflict and underscored the need for Iraq to exert control over armed groups launching unauthorized attacks from its territory.  The Secretary and Prime Minister committed to continued consultations on regional issues and to advance the U.S.-Iraq strategic partnership.