Baghdad acts to safeguard stability as Middle East escalates

Iraqi Prime Minister and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Mohammed S. Al-Sudani, chaired an extraordinary session of the Ministerial Council for National Security to review the country’s overall situation amid recent developments and heightened regional tensions.

During the meeting, Al-Sudani reiterated directives to security agencies “to confront and counter any actions that may destabilize security and stability in the country, and not to allow any entity or party to carry out operations that would drag Iraq into ongoing conflicts,” a statement from the PM Media Office said, the Iraqi News Agency (INA) reports.

The Council emphasized that while the state “guarantees freedom of expression, the right to peaceful assembly, and the protection of citizens’ rights as fundamental rights guaranteed by Iraqi law and the Constitution, and within the framework of applicable national laws, the Iraqi government remains firmly committed to preventing any targeting of diplomatic missions or infringement on vital facilities.”

“Security forces will continue to carry out their duties in protecting citizens, diplomatic missions, and public and private property, and in enforcing national laws in line with international obligations,” the statement added.

The Council further affirmed that “Iraq will remain committed to preventing escalation, ensuring that its territory is not used for any external or internal conflicts, and maintaining stability for its citizens and the region. Decisions related to national security, peace, and military movements are the exclusive responsibility of the state through its constitutional institutions.”

Economic concerns were also addressed, with the Council examining “the potential economic risks arising from the continuation and expansion of military operations in the region.”

The ministers of Oil, acting Minister of Electricity, and Trade attended the meeting, providing comprehensive briefings on fuel and energy production as well as food security. Discussions additionally covered “the measures required to address developments and their repercussions on Iraq, the region, and the world.”

By Vafa Guliyeva