Iraqi prime minister emphasizes state authority over war as militias step up attacks on Israel

WASIT – Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani emphasized on Thursday that only the state and its constitutional institutions have the authority to make decisions regarding war and peace, warning that any actions taken outside this framework will face legal consequences. His remarks come as Iraq seeks to avoid being drawn into the escalating conflict between Israel, Hamas, Hezbollah, and Iran.

During a meeting with tribal leaders in Wasit governorate, Al-Sudani reiterated Iraq’s firm opposition to the aggression on Gaza and Lebanon, a position the government has consistently communicated in international forums. “The decision of war and peace is determined by the state through its constitutional institutions, and anyone who acts outside this framework will confront the state, which relies on the strength of the constitution and the law in carrying out its duties,” Al-Sudani said.

His comments underscore the Iraqi government’s desire to avoid being drawn into the ongoing conflict between Israel and regional actors, including Hamas and Hezbollah in Palestine and Lebanon, as well as Iran, which Israel has vowed to retaliate against for the October 1 missile attack.

Al-Sudani’s remarks also come amid growing threats from the Islamic Resistance in Iraq, a coalition of pro-Iranian armed groups such as Kata’ib Hezbollah, Asa’ib Ahl al-Haq, and Harakat al-Nujaba. The coalition, aligned with Iran’s Axis of Resistance, has previously launched drone strikes against Israeli targets and recently declared its intention to escalate attacks on Israeli positions. These attacks heighten the risk of Israeli retaliation against these groups operating within Iraq.

The prime minister reaffirmed that “the interests of Iraq and its people are above all considerations,” urging national unity and emphasizing the importance of sovereignty during these volatile times.

Israel is reportedly preparing for a military strike on Iran in response to Iran’s launch of approximately 180 ballistic missiles at Israel on October 1. Israel’s Defense Minister, Yoav Gallant, has stated that any counterattack from Israel would be “deadly, precise, and, above all, surprising.” However, Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, has warned UN Secretary-General António Guterres that Tehran is prepared to deliver a “decisive and regretful” response should Israel move forward with a retaliatory attack.

If carried out, this strike could further escalate an already volatile regional situation, which intensified after the deadly Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, potentially broadening the scope of the conflict.