Iraqi Government Seeks to Resume Talks between Tehran and Washington

TEHRAN (Defapress) - In a detailed interview with Al-Mayadeen, Iraqi Prime Minister Muhammad Shia Al-Sudani discussed the most important domestic, regional, and international developments related to Iraq and emphasized his government's balanced approach to domestic and foreign policy.

Referring to the recent elections, Al-Sudani said: An Iraqi citizen participates in the elections when he expects to see an improvement in the economic situation and a sense of security. He added that the people's participation in these elections exceeded expectations, and this process has once again proven the Iraqi nation's commitment to the principle of peaceful transfer of power and holding elections within the framework of the constitution.

Regarding the Sadr Movement, the Iraqi Prime Minister stated: The government interacts with the Sadr Movement as a popular and widespread political movement that has roots, leadership, and an effective role in the political process. He expressed regret over the movement’s non-participation in the elections and emphasized that the government respects their decision.

Regarding Iraq’s foreign policy, Al-Sudani said: Baghdad’s relations with the countries of the region, the Arab world, the Islamic world, and its neighbors are based on the interests of Iraq and the Iraqi people. He emphasized that Iraq, while maintaining its principled positions on strategic issues, especially the Palestinian issue, has been able to establish balanced and stable relations over the past three years, and that during a period when the region has witnessed very sensitive events.

He emphasized that Iraq has taken an active and responsible stance at all levels regarding the aggressions against Gaza and Lebanon, the developments in Syria, and the aggression against the Islamic Republic of Iran, while at the same time trying to keep the country away from being dragged into the arena of regional conflicts and wars.

Al-Sudani added: The Iraqi government has not given any excuses to the parties that have sought to expand the scope of the war since October 7, and this approach has been particularly evident in the policies of the Netanyahu government.

Referring to relations with Saudi Arabia, the Iraqi Prime Minister said: Saudi Arabia has an important weight at the Arab and regional levels, but Iraq's relations with all brotherly countries are based on fixed and non-discriminatory criteria.

Regarding Lebanon, Al-Sudani also noted: Iraq's position in supporting Lebanon has been fixed, and what Baghdad has offered is not a favor, but rather a duty to the brotherly nation of Lebanon and its heroic resistance to the aggressions of the Zionist regime.

He announced that Iraq has allocated an initial contribution of $20 million to the Lebanon Reconstruction Fund and will also be with the Lebanese during the reconstruction and repair of the damage.

Al-Sudani also addressed the developments in Syria and said: The security and stability of Syria is a fundamental prerequisite for the security and stability of Iraq and the entire region. Al-Sudani stressed that Baghdad has respected the will of the Syrian people after the recent developments and has opened communication channels for the exchange of views.

He added that Iraq’s message to Damascus is the need to advance an inclusive political process, transparently confront extremism, oppose foreign interference and Israeli aggression, and preserve the unity of Syria.

In another part of his speech, Al-Sudani referred to relations with the Islamic Republic of Iran and said: Iran’s support for Iraq in confronting terrorism and supporting the political process has in no way meant interference or guardianship over Iraq’s decision. He emphasized that relations between Baghdad and Tehran are on a positive and constructive path at the official, political, and popular levels.

Al-Sudani also clarified regarding the United States: America is Iraq’s strategic partner, a country that played a role in overthrowing the dictatorial regime and helped Iraq in the fight against ISIS. Baghdad is now seeking to organize and regulate this relationship within the framework of the Strategic Framework Agreement, an agreement that encompasses broad areas beyond security and military issues.

Al-Sudani concluded by saying that Iraq has acted as a mediator at various stages to reduce tensions between Iran and the US and is currently trying to pave the way for a bilateral meeting between the two sides in Baghdad to resume talks.