Al-Sudani and the US Secretary of Defense discuss regional developments, Syria, and the Houthis by phone.

3/16/2025

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani discussed with US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, on Sunday evening, security developments in the region, particularly those related to military operations in Yemen and the "worrying" situation in Syria.

Al-Sudani's media office stated in a statement received by Shafaq News Agency that "the latter received a phone call from Hegseth, during which they discussed the strategic partnership between Iraq and the United States and their shared interest in regional stability and security."

The statement added that the US Secretary of Defense reviewed developments related to military operations in Yemen, noting that the United States will continue its operations unless Houthi attacks on US forces and their impact on navigation in the Red Sea cease. He also emphasized that Washington is not seeking escalation, and that military operations will cease as soon as these attacks cease.

For his part, the Prime Minister stressed that de-escalation and dialogue are the most effective means of addressing crises in a sensitive and vital region like the Middle East, affirming that this approach represents Iraq's firm position in dealing with regional challenges, and that Iraq will continue to act in accordance with this principle.

The two sides emphasized the importance of continuing security cooperation within the framework of the international coalition to defeat ISIS and discussed security developments in the region.

According to the statement, the Prime Minister reiterated Iraq's commitment to protecting international coalition advisors who are present in Iraq at the invitation of the Iraqi government to support efforts to combat ISIS. He also stressed Iraq's commitment to restricting the use of force to the state and enhancing internal stability.

The two sides also affirmed their shared commitment to preventing the resurgence of terrorist threats and extremist ideologies, including ISIS, and to strengthening ongoing counterterrorism efforts and supporting regional security.

The two sides reviewed recent successes in targeting and killing senior ISIS leaders, stressing the importance of maintaining a strong and coordinated counterterrorism approach to prevent the group from rebuilding its capabilities.

The talks also touched on regional security dynamics, particularly the "worrying situation" in Syria. Both sides expressed their determination to prevent ISIS in Syria from posing any threat, given its ability to acquire new weapons and reorganize its ranks. This calls for a collective response from the international community to prevent any further escalation that threatens stability.

Both sides renewed their commitment to maintaining regional stability, while the US Secretary of Defense affirmed his country's commitment to supporting Iraq's long-term security and stability.

At the conclusion of the call, the two sides stressed the importance of continuing dialogue and cooperation to advance the common interests between Iraq and the United States, and to work together to maintain peace and security in the region.

Hegseth's call comes a day after the United States carried out large-scale military strikes against dozens of targets in Yemen, in areas controlled by the Houthis. Trump declared the group's time was over, indicating that the United States would not be kind to Iran.

These security developments were preceded by Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Sheibani's visit to Baghdad last Friday. He met with the prime minister and parliamentarians, and held a press conference with Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein.

Al-Shaibani's visit to Baghdad came as part of efforts to strengthen bilateral relations between Iraq and Syria. According to an Iraqi government source who spoke to Shafaq News Agency, the discussions focused primarily on security, particularly amid growing Iraqi fears of the spread of terrorist groups in the Syrian desert.

The source explained that the visit contributed to rebuilding trust between the two countries and paved the way for exchanging official visits and recognizing the government of Ahmed al-Sharaa.

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