Iraqi president tells Turkish ambassador: Iraq rejects use of territory to attack neighbors

BAGHDAD — President Abdul Latif Rashid reaffirmed Monday that Iraq rejects the use of its territory as a launching point for attacks against neighboring countries, during a meeting with Turkey’s ambassador to Iraq, Anil Bora Inan, in Baghdad.

Rashid stressed “the importance of intensifying diplomatic efforts and enhancing coordination to address crises” and called for dialogue to prevent further escalation and its consequences for the region.

Inan said Turkey is keen to strengthen relations with Iraq and expand bilateral cooperation.

The meeting came as Iraq faces pressure from multiple directions in the regional conflict. U.S. and Israeli aircraft and missiles have crossed Iraqi airspace during operations against Iran — which Baghdad has condemned as a violation of its sovereignty — while Iran-aligned armed groups have launched attacks on U.S. facilities across the country. Drone and missile incidents have been reported in Erbil, Sulaymaniyah and near Baghdad International Airport, and Iraqi authorities have faced criticism from Kurdish leaders for failing to rein in the factions carrying out the strikes.