Baghdad: Today’s newspapers are abuzz with the news of an international initiative launched by Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, who is calling for an immediate end to the ongoing war in the region. This significant appeal was made during a video conference on Monday, organized by the President of the European Council and the President of the European Commission, with participation from leaders and officials from various Arab and foreign countries.
According to National Iraqi News Agency, Al-Sudani, in his address, emphasized the necessity of a strong and unified stance to halt the ongoing conflict. He called for prioritizing dialogue and cooperation to prevent further escalation, which poses a grave threat to international peace and security. The Prime Minister reiterated Iraq’s rejection of war and aggression and opposed any attempts to involve Iraq in the conflict. He stressed that resorting to violence without international legitimacy and outside the framework of Security Council resolutions could lead to a major regional conflict.
Al-Sudani proposed the establishment of a diplomatic alliance involving countries in the region and the European Union to cease hostilities immediately. He highlighted the importance of ending violations of state sovereignty, adhering to regional security, the principle of good neighborliness, and the UN Charter. The Prime Minister condemned attacks on Iraqi territory by all parties and reaffirmed Iraq’s stance against using its territory or airspace for military operations against neighboring countries.
Al-Sudani also condemned attacks on the Islamic Republic of Iran and expressed solidarity with Arab states in protecting their territorial integrity. He called for ending the violation of state sovereignty, sparing civilians from conflict, and promoting good neighborliness and adherence to the UN Charter. The Prime Minister criticized repeated Israeli attacks on Lebanon, stressing the need for dialogue and diplomatic means to contain the repercussions and preserve Arab national security.
Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein also addressed the regional tensions during an extraordinary session of the Council of the League of Arab States. He warned about the dangers of the situation in the Strait of Hormuz and its direct impact on Iraq, the region, and the world. Hussein emphasized Iraq’s commitment to resolving conflicts through negotiations and diplomatic means and condemned military campaigns against Iran, which threaten regional stability.
In a related development, Iraq and Spain agreed to convene an emergency UN session to discuss the Middle East war. Al-Sudani and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro S¡nchez discussed the evolving security situation and the impact of military operations on global supply chains. They stressed the need for international coordination to ensure an immediate cessation of hostilities and prevent further escalation.
The National Iraqi News Agency also reported on the complex security escalation in Iraq following joint US-Israeli attacks on Iran. This escalation included airstrikes on Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) bases and Iranian cross-border strikes against Kurdish opposition groups. Various incidents, including missile attacks and drone crashes, have heightened tensions, prompting calls for diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the situation.
As the region faces increased instability, Al-Sudani’s call for an international initiative and diplomatic alliance reflects Iraq’s commitment to peace and regional security. The Prime Minister continues to emphasize the importance of dialogue and diplomatic solutions to resolve conflicts and maintain stability in the region.