(Photo: PM Al-Sudani's media office)
Monitor
Al-Sudani, US defense secretary discuss regional security, ISIS threat
BAGHDAD — Iraq’s Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani and U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth discussed Iraq-U.S. security cooperation and regional stability in a phone call Sunday, according to a readout from Al-Sudani’s media office.
Hegseth said the U.S. would continue operations in Yemen unless Houthi attacks on U.S. forces and Red Sea navigation stopped, adding that “Washington does not seek escalation and that military operations will stop immediately once these attacks cease.”
Al-Sudani emphasized Iraq’s commitment to de-escalation, stating that de-escalation and dialogue is “are the most effective paths to resolving crises in a region as sensitive and vital as the Middle East.”
On March 15, the U.S. launched air strikes on Houthis in Yemen. This action was in response to the Houthis’ repeated attacks on commercial and military vessels in the Red Sea. The strikes resulted in at least 31 people deaths and over 100 injuries, according to Houthi health officials. Both sides have threatened escalation today.
Statement from Al-Sudani’s media office:
Prime Minister Mohammed S. Al-Sudani received a phone call today, Sunday, from U.S. Secretary of Defense Mr. Pete Hegseth, during which they discussed the strategic partnership between Iraq and the United States and their shared interest in regional stability and security.
Secretary Hegseth reviewed developments related to military operations in Yemen, noting that the United States will continue its operations unless Houthi attacks on U.S. forces and their impact on navigation in the Red Sea cease. He emphasized that Washington does not seek escalation and that military operations will stop immediately once these attacks cease.
Prime Minister Al-Sudani reaffirmed that de-escalation and dialogue are the most effective paths to resolving crises in a region as sensitive and vital as the Middle East. He stressed that this approach represents Iraq’s consistent position in addressing regional challenges, and Iraq will continue to act based on this principle.
Both sides underscored the importance of continued security cooperation within the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS and discussed regional security developments.
Prime Minister Al-Sudani reiterated Iraq’s commitment to protecting Coalition advisors, who are present in the country at the invitation of the Iraqi government to support efforts in combating ISIS. He also emphasized Iraq’s dedication to ensuring that the use of force remains exclusively within the state’s authority and to enhancing internal stability.
Additionally, both parties reaffirmed their shared commitment to preventing the resurgence of terrorist threats and extremist ideologies, including ISIS, and strengthening ongoing counterterrorism efforts to support regional security.
The discussion touched on recent successes in targeting and eliminating senior ISIS leaders, with both sides stressing the importance of maintaining a strong and coordinated counterterrorism approach to prevent the organization from rebuilding its capabilities.
The discussions also addressed regional security dynamics, particularly the concerning situation in Syria. Both sides expressed their determination to prevent ISIS in Syria from posing any threat, especially as the group has acquired new weapons and is reorganizing its ranks, which necessitates a collective international response to prevent any new escalation that could threaten stability.
Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to regional stability, with Secretary Hegseth reiterating the United States’ long-term commitment to supporting Iraq’s security and stability.
At the end of the call, both sides emphasized the importance of ongoing dialogue and cooperation to advance shared interests between Iraq and the United States and to work together to maintain peace and security in the region.
