Iraqi PM meets with country’s ambassadors to affirm ‘balanced’ regional policy

BAGHDAD — Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani met on Tuesday with Iraq’s ambassadors and heads of diplomatic missions abroad during their gathering in Baghdad for centenary celebrations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the 8th Ambassadors’ Conference.

He stressed Iraq’s role in maintaining regional equilibrium and highlighted milestones such as concluding the mission of the Global Coalition Against ISIS.

“Iraq has adopted a principled stance to protect the country from the repercussions of regional conflicts while fostering stability and development at home,” Al-Sudani said.

In recent months, the Iraqi government has been working to prevent the nation from being drawn into the escalating regional conflict involving Israel. This approach includes diplomatic efforts to restrain Iran-backed militias within Iraq from engaging in hostilities that could provoke Israeli retaliation. The government has also sought assistance from both Tehran and Washington to curb militia activities.

Israel has issued what Iraq perceived as threats to expand its military operations into Iraq, targeting Iran-backed militias responsible for attacks on Israeli and U. S. forces. Israeli officials have communicated to the United Nations Security Council their intent to exercise the right to self-defense against these groups. In response, Iraqi authorities have condemned these threats, viewing them as pretexts for expanding regional aggression, and have called for international intervention to prevent further escalation.