US and Iraq Collaborate on Regional Security Amid Yemen and Syria Concerns

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani spoke with US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth regarding military operations in Yemen and security concerns in Syria. They highlighted the importance of the strategic US-Iraq partnership for regional stability. Hegseth informed Al-Sudani that US operations would continue unless Houthi aggression ceased, while Al-Sudani emphasized the need for dialogue and diplomacy to resolve Middle Eastern conflicts and prevent ISIS’s resurgence.

On Sunday, Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani engaged in a phone conversation with US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to discuss regional security, particularly military operations in Yemen and the unsettling situation in Syria. Al-Sudani’s media office reported that they emphasized the importance of the US-Iraq strategic partnership for enhancing regional stability and security.

During the call, Hegseth provided an update on the conditions in Yemen, asserting that US military operations would persist unless Houthi attacks on American personnel ceased, alongside any disruptions to Red Sea shipping. Hegseth underscored that the US aims to protect its forces and vital shipping lanes, stating, “We do not seek escalation, but we will defend our interests if necessary.”

Al-Sudani responded by highlighting the necessity of de-escalation and dialogue as effective means for resolving crises within the Middle East. He reiterated Iraq’s commitment to these principles, noting that violence only exacerbates instability, saying, “We must focus on dialogue and diplomacy to resolve tensions.”

The conversation also touched upon the situation in Syria, where both leaders jointly expressed their determination to inhibit the resurgence of ISIS. They conveyed apprehension regarding the group’s potential access to new weaponry and urges for a coordinated international response to avert further destabilization.

This discussion follows Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Al-Shibani’s recent visit to Baghdad, where he met with Al-Sudani and other Iraqi officials, reinforcing the collaborative efforts amongst regional powers to address security challenges.

The dialogue between Prime Minister Al-Sudani and Secretary Hegseth underscores the commitment of both Iraq and the United States to maintain regional security through strategic partnership and diplomatic conflict resolution. Their discussions focused on protecting national interests in Yemen and Syria, with a shared resolve to counter the threat posed by ISIS and promote stability through dialogue and cooperation.

Original Source: shafaq.com