Sudani, Spain’s Sánchez discuss regional war, call for halt to escalation

BAGHDAD — Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani held a phone call Monday with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez to discuss the regional war’s impact on global supply chains and agreed to work together to convene a session of the United Nations General Assembly to address the conflict and prevent its further expansion, according to a readout from the Iraqi PM’s media office.

Both leaders stressed that “constructive dialogue represents the most effective path to achieving de-escalation” and emphasized the importance of “strengthening coordination and integrating the international community’s efforts and institutions to secure an immediate halt to escalation.”

Sudani warned that the consequences of the conflict would extend beyond the region. “Such repercussions will not be limited to the countries of the region alone, but will extend to Europe as well, posing a threat to international peace and security,” he said, adding that escalation risks fueling extremist ideology and terrorism.

The call paired two leaders who have both staked out firm anti-war positions. Sánchez has been one of the few Western leaders to condemn the U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran as “unjustifiable” and “dangerous,” and refused to allow U.S. forces to use jointly operated Spanish military bases in support of operations against Iran — a stance that prompted Trump to threaten to cut off all trade with Spain. Sánchez responded by going on national television with a simple message: “No to war,” describing the U.S.-Israeli strikes as “reckless and illegal” and accusing the U.S. of playing “Russian roulette with the destiny of millions.”

Iraq has similarly rejected the use of its territory for attacks on neighboring states.