Prime Minister Mohammed S. Al-Sudani and U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth engaged in discussions emphasizing their commitment to regional stability, addressing military operations in Yemen, counterterrorism efforts against ISIS, and the necessity of ongoing international cooperation to manage threats in the Middle East.
On Sunday, Prime Minister Mohammed S. Al-Sudani engaged in a phone call with U.S. Secretary of Defense Mr. Pete Hegseth to discuss the strategic partnership between Iraq and the United States. The discussion notably focused on their mutual interest in fostering regional stability and security.
During the call, Secretary Hegseth addressed military operations in Yemen, indicating that the U.S. will continue its operations unless the Houthi attacks on U.S. forces and navigation in the Red Sea cease. He assured that an end to the military actions will follow once the attacks are halted.
Prime Minister Al-Sudani emphasized that de-escalation and constructive dialogue represent the most effective means for resolving conflicts in a region as vital as the Middle East. He reiterated that this principle reflects Iraq’s longstanding position on addressing regional challenges.
Both leaders affirmed lasting security cooperation within the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS. They also acknowledged Iraq’s commitment to safeguarding Coalition advisors, who are in the country to assist in combating ISIS.
The discussion further highlighted ongoing counterterrorism efforts aimed at preventing a resurgence of extremist threats, specifically ISIS, with mentions of recent successes in eliminating senior leaders of the organization. Both parties underlined the need for a robust, coordinated approach to counterterrorism to thwart ISIS’s regeneration.
Attention was also given to regional security concerns, particularly in Syria, where both sides expressed intentions to mitigate ISIS threats stemming from the group’s acquisition of new weapons. This situation underlines the necessity of a collective international response to maintain stability.
Finally, both Secretary Hegseth and Prime Minister Al-Sudani emphasized the significance of continuous dialogue and collaboration to bolster shared interests and ensure peace in the region.
In summary, the phone call between Prime Minister Al-Sudani and U.S. Secretary of Defense Hegseth reaffirmed the commitment of both Iraq and the United States to sustain regional stability and improve security collaborations. They addressed military operations in Yemen, emphasized the importance of dialogue for conflict resolution, and underscored ongoing counterterrorism efforts to prevent the resurgence of ISIS. The discussions also highlighted rising concerns in Syria, necessitating collective international responses.
Original Source: ina.iq
