Just a few days ago, the skies over Iraq witnessed a barrage of projectiles launched from Iran towards Israel, sparking concerns of a potential regional conflict involving the United States.
During his recent visit to Washington, DC, Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani met with President Joe Biden and other top US officials, underscoring the significance of their discussions amidst escalating tensions.
Addressing the escalating situation, al-Sudani emphasized the importance of preventing the conflict from spreading further, expressing his apprehensions about Iraq being entangled in a broader regional war involving influential nations.
Iraqi authorities disclosed that Iran had informed them in advance about the attack, which was reportedly in retaliation for an Israeli airstrike on the Iranian Embassy in Damascus that resulted in the death of a senior Iranian military leader.
Despite the regional turmoil, al-Sudani remains focused on addressing Iraq’s internal issues, particularly attracting investments in the private sector and advancing the withdrawal of US troops from the country, according to analysts.
Analyst Tamer Badawi highlighted al-Sudani’s domestic agenda, which includes seeking fewer restrictions on Iraqi banking, increased investments, and stronger security partnerships.
While the meetings between Iraqi and US officials were deemed productive, the recent hostilities between Iran and Israel limited the scope of agreements that could be reached, according to expert Sajad Jiyad.
As tensions persist, the US recognizes the importance of maintaining a military presence in Iraq, underscoring the need for the Iraqi government to take measures to prevent further escalation involving Iran and its allies.
Article from www.aljazeera.com