Iraq defends Sharm el-Sheikh summit participation as key to regional influence

BAGHDAD — Government spokesman Bassem al-Awadi on Monday defended Iraq’s participation in the Sharm el-Sheikh Peace Summit, describing it as a strategic step to restore Iraq’s regional role and secure access to critical diplomatic discussions, including direct meetings with U.S. President Donald Trump.

Speaking to Iraq’s state television, al-Awadi said Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani’s presence at the October 13 summit allowed Iraq “to follow the details of agreements and the direct meetings of the U.S. president with leaders, which countries cannot access internally without being physically present.”

His comments came after criticism from Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr, who had condemned the Iraqi delegation’s presence, calling it “a disgrace on the ruling Shia parties” if Baghdad attended “a meeting that might include [Netanyahu].”

The summit, co-chaired by Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi and Trump, brought together leaders from more than 20 countries. It followed the announcement of a new ceasefire in Gaza and focused on ending the war, addressing humanitarian needs, and establishing plans for governance, reconstruction, and long-term stability in the territory.

“There are five intersecting regional projects in the area, each led by an influential state with wealth, armies, weapons, and international relations. Iraq cannot forget its regional role,” al-Awadi said.

He also described the meeting between al-Sudani and Trump as warm and respectful, stating, “The warm greeting and salute from the U.S. president to al-Sudani is not surprising. Iraq is not a marginal state, and we have strong relations with the United States since 2003 and with the coalition forces inside Iraq.”

Some excerpts from Awadi’s interview on Iraq’s state television:

There are five intersecting regional projects in the area, each led by an influential and active state that possesses wealth, armies, weapons, and international relations. Iraq cannot forget its regional role.

Much information is absent from countries — what was the agreement, how was the idea matured, what happened at Trump’s meeting with international leaders, what are the realities of the agreements? All this cannot be discovered internally without being present at the core of the issue.

The details of agreements and the direct meetings of the U.S. president with leaders, which countries cannot access internally without being physically present

Strong countries in the region, and some of them do not agree with Iraq, told Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani and his team that since Iraq lost its regional influence and prestige, the region and most of the Middle East have been shaken.

The return of Iraq’s power, influence, and impact will restore balance to the region and to the Iraqi government.

The prime minister is determined to bring back Iraq’s influence on this path.

The warm greeting and salute from the U.S. president to al-Sudani is not surprising. Iraq is not a marginal state, and we have strong relations with the United States since 2003 and with the coalition forces inside Iraq. There are communications between the prime minister and the U.S. president, and Washington knows Iraq is a strong country enjoying stability and development, as well as its presence in the region.

Officially, al-Sudani’s participation came to emphasize stopping the killing of civilians since the October war until today, particularly in Gaza and Palestine, and in every Arab and Islamic country that has been struck.

Al-Sudani’s attendance reaffirmed Iraq’s firm and decisive stance in granting the Palestinian people the right to live freely and with dignity on their land. This issue is not subject to disposal or compromise. Iraq also supports the Palestinian right to self-determination, the end of displacement and settlement, Israel’s withdrawal from Gaza, the reconstruction of the Strip, and the lifting of the blockade.

The prime minister wanted to end violence and attacks on Arab and Islamic countries and resort to dialogue and understanding. Adopting diplomatic solutions is the key to restoring balance in the region. Ignoring this will expose all agreements to collapse.

After the summit’s main goal, al-Sudani will invite leaders to visit Baghdad and exchange views on several issues to strengthen bilateral relations and open avenues for economic and investment cooperation.