Iraqi defense minister says armed forces ready for any threat amid regional tensions

BAGHDAD — Iraq’s Defense Minister Thabet Mohammed Saeed al-Abbasi said Sunday that the country’s military is fully prepared to respond to any emerging threat, emphasizing recent updates to national defense strategies and reiterating the army’s neutrality.

“The continuous updating of defense plans reflects the readiness of our forces to respond to any emergency,” al-Abbasi said during a visit to the 9th Armored Division, according to a statement from his media office.

His comments come amid rising regional instability linked to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran, and the recent entry of the United States into the hostilities. While al-Abbasi made no direct reference to any foreign actor, his remarks underscored Iraq’s stance on neutrality and sovereignty.

“Our army is a national army — it does not follow any party, sect, or ethnicity. It is a shield for all Iraqis, of every community and background,” he said.

The defense minister’s statements follow a series of drone and missile incidents in Iraq’s airspace in recent days, prompting heightened security measures and the temporary suspension of civilian flights across the country.

Statement from the Media Office of Defense Minister Thabet al-Abbasi:

Key points from the remarks of Defense Minister Thabet Mohammed Saeed al-Abbasi during his visit to the 9th Armored Division:

Iraq possesses an organized and professional military force capable of protecting the country from any external or internal threat.

We have developed plans to equip our armed forces with the latest technologies, and we continue training and cooperation with international institutions to enhance our defense capabilities in line with the requirements of safeguarding sovereignty.

The continuous updating of defense plans reflects the readiness of our forces to respond to any emergency.

Our army is a national army — it does not follow any party, sect, or ethnicity. It is a shield for all Iraqis, of every community and background.

We affirm that the national interest comes above all else, and that preserving Iraq’s security and independence is our highest goal.

We are closely monitoring regional developments and respond to any threat with wisdom and composure — but with firmness when necessary. Our defense policy is based on respect for sovereignty and rejection of any external interference.

I extend my greetings to every soldier and officer guarding our borders and securing our cities. You are the safety valve of this nation.

The Iraqi leadership, led by the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, has confidence in you and supports your efforts to uphold the law and protect the state.

We are working to expand and diversify in the fields of training and armament, without compromising our sovereignty or the independence of our military decisions.

Members of the armed forces, you are the hope and the future. With your unity, patience, and courage, we build a strong, secure, and independent Iraq. We stand by you — as leadership and people — and we will spare no effort in supporting you by every means.