Al-Sudani and Hegseth Reaffirm Commitment to Regional Security and Stability

Prime Minister Mohammed S. Al-Sudani engaged in a discussion with U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth about the strategic partnership aimed at enhancing regional stability and security. Key topics included operations in Yemen, cooperation against ISIS, and concerns regarding ISIS’s actions in Syria. Both sides emphasized the importance of de-escalation, collective counterterrorism efforts, and the commitment to prevent resurgent threats.

On Sunday, Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed S. Al-Sudani spoke with U.S. Secretary of Defense Mr. Pete Hegseth, focusing on enhancing the strategic partnership between Iraq and the United States. They discussed shared interests in maintaining regional stability and security amidst evolving circumstances.

Secretary Hegseth informed Prime Minister Al-Sudani about military developments in Yemen, stating that U.S. operations will continue until Houthi attacks on American forces cease. He noted that the U.S. does not seek escalation, indicating that military activities would halt if attacks stop.

Prime Minister Al-Sudani reiterated that dialogue and de-escalation are vital for addressing crises in the strategically important Middle East, aligning with Iraq’s long-standing approach to regional challenges. Both leaders emphasized the need for sustained security cooperation within the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS and evaluated recent regional security developments.

The Prime Minister assured that Iraq is committed to safeguarding Coalition advisors, who are in the country to assist in combating ISIS. He also highlighted the importance of authoritative state control over the use of force to maintain stability.

Both parties reiterated their shared goal of preventing the resurgence of terrorist threats, particularly those posed by ISIS, and enhancing counterterrorism efforts in the region. The conversation noted significant progress in neutralizing senior ISIS leaders and called for a robust, coordinated response to thwart the group from regaining strength.

The discussions encompassed regional security dynamics, particularly in Syria, where concerns about ISIS acquiring new weapons and reorganizing were raised. Both leaders committed to an international response to prevent any new threats to stability.

Secretary Hegseth reaffirmed the United States’ sustained commitment to Iraq’s security and urged continued dialogue and cooperation between both nations to ensure peace and stability in the region.

The discussions between Prime Minister Al-Sudani and Secretary Hegseth underscored a collective dedication to regional security and the stabilization of Iraq. With acknowledgments of past successes in counterterrorism and a focus on current threats, both leaders affirmed their partnership and commitment to continued dialogue in achieving collective security goals.

Original Source: ina.iq