Iraqi Prime Minister Tells Trump Baghdad Will Not Be Used to Attack Neighbors
Baghdad seeks to keep its territory out of renewed US strikes on Iran as oil revenues drop by $60 billion.
By Fernando Rojas ·
Iraq’s economy remains tethered to the Strait of Hormuz, a chokepoint that now threatens Baghdad’s fiscal stability. Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi spoke with President Donald Trump on Thursday to clarify Baghdad’s position in the ongoing conflict.
Al-Zaidi’s office stated that the two leaders discussed regional security and the path forward. The prime minister reiterated that Iraq expects its sovereignty to be respected. He specifically requested that US and allied forces do not use Iraqi land as a base for attacks on neighboring countries.
Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein reinforced this stance on Dijlah TV. He warned that renewed US military action against Iran is a known risk. Hussein told armed groups to stay out of any potential Iranian retaliation. He described the prospect of Iraq entering the war as a disaster.
"Pushing Iraqi society into the war will lead to a disaster," Hussein said. "We are not prepared for war. Neither Iraqi society nor the armed forces are prepared for war."
The diplomatic pressure comes at a critical financial moment for Baghdad. Since the war began in February, Iraq has lost more than $60 billion in oil revenue. Approximately 90 percent of the country's oil exports normally travel through the Strait of Hormuz. Tehran closed that waterway, cutting off most of Iraq's income.
Oil represents about 90 percent of Iraq's federal budget. This dependence makes the loss of export routes a direct threat to the government's ability to fund operations. Baghdad has worked to maintain a neutral balance between Washington and Tehran since Trump took office in May.
Al-Zaidi has focused on disarming domestic fighter groups to reduce the risk of internal conflict spilling outward. Several pro-Iranian militias have previously supported Tehran with cross-border strikes. Iraq has secured an exemption from Iran to pass freely through the Strait of Hormuz, allowing some trade to continue while the rest of the region is locked out.
More Business · Business Watchdog · Report a business · Got a Story?
