National security adviser holds emergency meeting amid regional tensions

BAGHDAD — National Security Adviser Qasim al-Araji chaired an emergency meeting Sunday to discuss security developments amid regional and international challenges.

According to a statement from the adviser’s media office, the meeting was held to examine “the latest security developments and review the overall challenges facing state institutions, in light of the accelerating changes at the regional and international levels.”

Security, intelligence and health leaders participated, along with representatives from the Ministry of Migration and Displacement.

Participants delivered “a comprehensive and detailed briefing on the security and intelligence capabilities of various sectors of the Iraqi government,” including “an accurate assessment of the level of readiness and joint coordination among them.”

The attendees discussed “the most prominent challenges facing the work of security agencies,” including enhancing performance efficiency, developing rapid response mechanisms, and confronting emerging threats “through modern scientific and professional methods.”

The meeting emphasized “the importance of integration among institutions, unifying efforts and exchanging information effectively,” to address gaps and weaknesses.

The meeting stressed “the necessity of adopting a proactive vision characterized by wisdom and flexibility,” balancing the protection of national interests with maintaining stability, “with permanent readiness for various potential scenarios.”

The meeting comes amid rising tensions between the United States and Iran. The United States has moved large naval and air forces into the Middle East, while Iran’s Revolutionary Guard has conducted live-fire naval drills in the Strait of Hormuz.