Israeli strike on Iran - step towards catastrophe Iraqi FM says

Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein has warned that the ongoing escalation of the conflict in the Middle East and its potential transformation into a full-scale war may trigger a global energy crisis. 

He made this statement during a joint press conference with his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi in Baghdad, Caliber.Az reports via Russian media. 

"The beginning of a large-scale war in the region would have extremely negative repercussions on energy exports and global shipping, thereby triggering a worldwide energy crisis," Hussein stated. 

The foreign minister emphasised that the Iraqi authorities deem it unacceptable for their territory to be used for strikes against neighbouring countries, including Iran.

He also noted that they are making every effort to "protect Iraq from any involvement in a potential regional conflict." 

Hussein described Israel's preparation for a strike on Iranian territory as a "dangerous move". 

He warned that ongoing military actions in Gaza and Lebanon "pose a threat to the stability of the entire region" and called for their immediate cessation.

The situation in the Middle East escalated following the infiltration of thousands of members of the Palestinian group Hamas from the Gaza Strip into Israeli territory on October 7, 2023.

More than 200 people were taken hostage. On that day, Hamas launched thousands of rockets into Israeli territory and announced the commencement of Operation Al-Aqsa Flood.  

In response, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared that the country was in a state of war. Following this announcement, Israel launched Operation "Iron Swords" in the Gaza Strip.

By Naila Huseynova