Al-Sudani urges lasting Iran-Israel ceasefire, denounces drone strikes on Iraqi bases

BAGHDAD — Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani on Tuesday called for a strong and lasting ceasefire between Israel and Iran and condemned recent drone attacks on Iraqi military sites.

“We hope the ceasefire agreement will be strong and sustainable, not fragile,” Al-Sudani said during a regular meeting of the Council of Ministers. He also reiterated Iraq’s rejection of what he described as “Zionist aggression against the Islamic Republic of Iran.”

The ceasefire took effect at 7 a.m. local time Tuesday, one day after Iran launched a missile strike on the U.S.-operated Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar. The attack came in retaliation for American airstrikes two days earlier targeting Iranian nuclear facilities. U.S. President Donald Trump announced the ceasefire in a post on his Truth Social platform.

Al-Sudani also addressed a series of drone attacks on Iraqi military installations that occurred early Tuesday, calling them “cowardly and treacherous.” He confirmed that radar systems at Camp Taji, north of Baghdad, and Imam Ali Base in Dhi Qar governorate were damaged.

“Our armed forces and air defenses swiftly responded… and successfully downed the hostile drones,” he said.

Iraq has launched investigation and vowed retaliation after several explosive-laden drones struck military sites early Tuesday, damaging radar systems at two bases but causing no casualties.

Statement from Al-Sudani’s media office:

Key Highlights from Prime Minister Mohammed S. Al-Sudani’s Remarks During the 25th Council of Ministers Session Held Today, Tuesday:

🔷 We hope the ceasefire agreement will be strong and sustainable, not fragile.

🔷 Iraq has reaffirmed its position by condemning and rejecting the Zionist aggression against the Islamic Republic of Iran and its deliberate actions to destabilize the region’s security and peace.

🔷 The Zionist entity has used baseless pretexts to expand the scope of the conflict, while the root of the problem lies in the continued disregard of the Palestinian cause.

🔷 Iraq has never been in a position of weakness, nor will it ever be. We have faced terrorism and triumphed, succeeding in averting dangers and sparing our people the tragedies of war.

🔷 We will not tolerate any internal or external act that threatens security and will confront it decisively and firmly.

🔷 Our response to events has prioritized the interests of the Iraqi people, which is the necessary and responsible stance.

🔷 We appreciate the positions of all national political forces, institutions, and constitutional presidencies that have supported the government’s policies in handling recent developments in the region.

🔷 Iraqi military bases were subjected to a cowardly and treacherous attack using suicide drones, which caused damage to radar systems at Camp Taji and Imam Ali Base in Dhi Qar.

🔷 Our armed forces and air defenses swiftly responded to the other attacks on various bases and successfully downed the hostile drones.

🔷 We have ordered a comprehensive technical and intelligence investigation to uncover the full details of the drone attacks. The situation is being monitored closely.

🔷 Our government has developed a comprehensive plan to secure the air defense system, with a set of contracts and projects in place to complete its armament in accordance with the latest international standards and specifications.