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Al-Sudani: Trump's visit to Saudi Arabia may affect some issues at the Baghdad Summit.

5/15/2025

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani confirmed on Thursday that Iraq is following US President Donald Trump's visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, including the bilateral meetings and meetings with the Gulf Cooperation Council. He stressed the importance of this visit under the current circumstances.

In an interview with Sky News Arabia, followed by Shafaq News Agency,  Al-Sudani said, "The outcomes of this visit are important, and we hope it will contribute to restoring stability to tense regions, especially regarding the ongoing war and aggression against Gaza and Lebanon, as well as the attacks on Syria and Yemen."

Regarding whether the US President's visit might impact the upcoming Arab Summit in Baghdad, Al-Sudani noted, "It is possible that it will have an impact on some issues, and we are following its developments."

The Iraqi Prime Minister stressed that "Iraq finds itself with any path that believes in dialogue and peace in the region, and with a solution to the issue that represents the root of the problem in the Middle East, namely the Palestinian issue." He asserted that "without recognizing the right of the Palestinian people to establish their independent state with Jerusalem as its capital, there will be no fundamental solution, and tensions and violations will continue."

Al-Sudani added, "Iraq believes that development is the key to security, and it creates opportunities that qualify the countries of the region and its surroundings for economic cooperation and trade exchange." He noted that "integration is better than competition and is a fundamental basis for mutual interests."

He pointed out that "the region represents the lungs of the world in the field of energy, and there are promising projects for economic integration, foremost among which is the "Development Road" project, a strategic economic corridor proposed by Iraq."

Al-Sudani explained that "there is clear Iranian interest in the project, and a belief that it complements projects that cross Iranian territory, such as the North-South Project and the Belt and Road Initiative that extends to Africa," stressing that "regional connectivity and similarity between projects is important and beneficial for all countries in the region, especially Iraq and Saudi Arabia."

Regarding the US-Iran negotiations, the Iraqi Prime Minister revealed that Baghdad will host negotiating sessions between the United States and the Islamic Republic of Iran, as part of Iraq's ongoing efforts to revive dialogue on the Iranian nuclear issue. He emphasized that negotiation is the best way to prevent escalation and ensure regional stability.

Al-Sudani said that Iraq, given its good relations with both the United States and Iran, has consistently pushed for dialogue and negotiation, stressing that the government has already taken the initiative to organize meetings between the two parties in the capital, Baghdad.

He added that reaching an agreement on the nuclear issue would end the escalation and contribute to regional stability. He warned, however, that the absence of an agreement would lead to a confrontation in a sensitive region already suffering from chronic crises, which would negatively impact the stability of all countries in the region, with no real winners in the confrontation.

Regarding Iraq's balanced relations with both Washington and Tehran, Al-Sudani emphasized that this policy stems from a new vision based on openness with everyone based on common interests and non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries. He pointed out that Iraq has interests and connections with both Iran - which he described as a neighboring country that supported Iraq at various stages of its modern history - and the United States, which contributed to the process of change in 2003 and supported the war against ISIS. He also noted the Strategic Framework Agreement, which covers multiple areas beyond security to include the economy, science, technology, trade, and combating climate change.

Al-Sudani explained that this unique feature gives Iraq a unique advantage among the countries of the region, as it can play the role of an honest mediator between conflicting countries.

He said, "The most important role any country can play is Iraq's as an honest mediator between conflicting countries that have problems or differing views. We have good relations, and we believe in non-interference in internal affairs and respect for the sovereignty of states. These principles qualify us to play this role."

The Prime Minister stressed that Iraq views mediation to resolve regional disputes as a duty, not an option, adding, "It is not right to watch problems escalate, opening the door to foreign intervention outside the Arab world."

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