Baghdad: Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani has warned the United States that Iraq’s airspace, territory, and waters must not be used to launch attacks against neighboring countries amid the escalating tensions in the Middle East.
According to a statement released by the Iraqi Prime Minister’s media office, al-Sudani conveyed this message during a phone conversation with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The Iraqi leader emphasized the need to respect Iraq’s sovereignty and prevent the country from becoming a platform for military operations targeting other nations in the region.
The discussion came as regional tensions intensified, with fighter jets and missiles reportedly passing through Iraqi airspace shortly after the latest conflict erupted in the Middle East. Observers noted that Iraq’s strategic location makes its airspace particularly sensitive during periods of regional military escalation.
During the call, al-Sudani stressed the importance of ensuring that Iraqi airspace, land, and territorial waters are not used for military actions against neighboring countries or the wider region. He reaffirmed Iraq’s position that it does not wish to become involved in ongoing regional conflicts.
The prime minister also rejected what he described as attempts to drag Iraq into the broader war, highlighting that Baghdad seeks to maintain stability and neutrality during the crisis. Iraqi authorities have repeatedly voiced concerns about violations of the country’s airspace by various parties involved in the conflict.
Iraq has already been indirectly affected by the growing confrontation in the Middle East. In recent developments, airstrikes blamed on the United States and Israel reportedly targeted groups in Iraq that are aligned with Iran.
Following those strikes, several Iran-backed armed factions claimed responsibility for attacks on US military bases located in Iraq and other parts of the region, further increasing tensions.
Analysts say Iraq is facing a delicate balancing act as it tries to maintain relations with both the United States and regional powers while preventing its territory from becoming a battleground for proxy conflicts.
Baghdad has repeatedly called for respect for Iraqi sovereignty and has urged all parties involved in the regional conflict to avoid actions that could escalate tensions further.
As the Middle East situation continues to evolve, Iraqi officials say they will continue diplomatic efforts to prevent the country from being drawn deeper into the crisis.
