Prime Minister Mohammed S. Al-Sudani and U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth discussed Iraq-U.S. strategic partnership and regional stability during a recent phone call. Key topics included military operations in Yemen, counterterrorism efforts against ISIS, and the situation in Syria. Both parties emphasized the need for ongoing collaboration to maintain peace and security in the region.
On Sunday, Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed S. Al-Sudani engaged in a phone conversation with U.S. Secretary of Defense Mr. Pete Hegseth, emphasizing the strategic partnership between Iraq and the United States. The discussions underscored both nations’ commitment to enhancing regional stability and security amidst ongoing military operations conducted by the United States in Yemen, contingent on the cessation of Houthi attacks on U.S. forces.
During the dialogue, Secretary Hegseth conveyed that U.S. military operations would persist until the Houthi aggressions halted. He reassured that the U.S. aims to avoid escalation and would cease military actions if the attacks on U.S. forces and navigation in the Red Sea come to an end. Prime Minister Al-Sudani reiterated Iraq’s stance that dialogue and de-escalation are crucial for resolving crises within the sensitive Middle Eastern context.
The two leaders also highlighted the importance of sustained security cooperation in the ongoing Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS. Prime Minister Al-Sudani affirmed Iraq’s responsibility to protect Coalition advisors, who have been invited to support Iraq’s fight against ISIS.
Both parties committed to fortifying efforts against returning terrorist threats, particularly the resurgence of ISIS, stressing the importance of a coordinated counterterrorism approach. They also discussed recent achievements in eliminating senior ISIS leaders as essential to preventing the group from regaining strength.
The conversation further delved into regional security issues, notably the situation in Syria, where concerns about ISIS reorganization and acquisition of new weapons were raised. Both leaders recognized the need for a collective international response to maintain stability and avert escalations in Syria. Overall, they reaffirmed their commitment to fostering ongoing dialogue and cooperation between Iraq and the United States to ensure peace and security in the region.
In summary, Prime Minister Al-Sudani and Secretary Hegseth’s discussion demonstrated a mutual commitment to regional security, emphasizing dialogue and de-escalation as pivotal strategies. The focus on enhanced cooperation against ISIS and broader counterterrorism efforts was paramount. Their continued partnership aims to prevent the resurgence of terrorist threats and ensure stability in Iraq and surrounding areas, highlighting the importance of collective international response to unrest, particularly related to ISIS’s presence in Syria.
Original Source: ina.iq
