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Iraq’s premier says country rejects use of territory to threaten neighbours

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Iraqi Prime Minister-designate Ali al-Zaidi. [Photo/AA]

Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi said Saturday that his country seeks balanced relations with neighbouring states and will not allow its territory to be used to threaten their security, during a phone call with French President Emmanuel Macron, Anadolu reports.

The two leaders discussed strengthening bilateral relations and cooperation, regional developments and the scheduled end of the international coalition’s mission in Iraq, according to a statement from the Iraqi prime minister’s media office.

The statement said they also discussed economic and investment cooperation in Iraq, opportunities for French companies, and joint efforts to reduce tensions and promote regional security and stability.

Al-Zaidi highlighted the importance of relations between Baghdad and Paris and invited Macron to visit Iraq, calling for joint efforts to build a “sustainable economic and investment partnership” that serves the interests of both countries.

He said his government would continue working to strengthen stability and “transform Iraq into an influential economic and political power in the region,” citing the country’s resources and strategic position connecting international trade routes.

Al-Zaidi said Iraq remained committed to building balanced relations with neighbouring countries and “not allowing Iraqi territory to be used to threaten their security.”

He also reaffirmed Iraq’s commitment to protecting its security, sovereignty and national interests while relying on dialogue to address regional and international issues.

READ: US Federal Reserve sends $500M cash shipment to Iraq: Report

Withdrawal of coalition forces

On security issues, al-Zaidi reiterated that 30 September would be the “final date for the withdrawal of coalition forces from Iraq.”

He said ending the coalition’s mission would give Iraq greater room to focus on reconstruction and development, promote economic growth and improve the welfare of its people.

Macron, for his part, praised steps taken by the Iraqi government and reaffirmed France’s support for Iraq’s efforts to combat corruption and implement economic reforms, according to the statement.

The French president also said Paris would continue supporting Iraq in combating terrorism and strengthening the capabilities of the Iraqi armed forces.

On 27 September, 2024, Washington and Baghdad announced in a joint statement that they had agreed on a two-phase plan to end the coalition’s mission in Iraq.

The first phase was scheduled to be completed by September 2025 and included ending the coalition’s military mission, withdrawing forces and handing over bases before transitioning to a bilateral security partnership.

The second phase runs through September 2026, during which the coalition’s military mission in Syria continues from an air base in Erbil, Iraq.

The US leads the coalition, which includes countries such as France and Spain. It was formed in 2014 to fight the ISIS (Daesh) terrorist group, which at the time controlled large areas of Iraq and Syria.

On 10 December, 2017, then-Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi declared “victory” over ISIS after three years of fighting.

The group, however, continues to operate in northern, western and eastern provinces through sporadic attacks, while the Iraqi government conducts security and military operations to eliminate its remnants.

READ: Saudi Arabia calls on Iraq to prevent its territory from being used for attacks

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UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham admits to blatently lying and engaging in deception to become leader of the UK Labour Party and Prime Minister.
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Donald Trump sings and dances, says that it’s fun to kill everyone … unless he gets distracted or falls asleep.
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Orcas discuss rotting brain, front Orca says Sundown Syndrome is a dead givaway and he wishes someone would Lock Him Up

Continue ReadingIraq’s premier says country rejects use of territory to threaten neighbours

US expects Iran to ensure safe oil flow through Strait of Hormuz: Vance

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U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance speaks during a press briefing in the James S. Brady Press Briefing Room at the White House in Washington, D.C., United States, on June 18, 2026. [Mehmet Eser – Anadolu Agency]

The US expects Iran to restore the flow of oil and gas through the Strait of Hormuz to pre-conflict levels and ensure the safe passage of commercial vessels, US Vice President JD Vance said Saturday.

“Our expectation is you’re going to see the same amount of oil and gas come out of the Gulf that you saw before the conflict started,” Vance told Fox News, saying Iran had communicated that intention to Washington.

“But you know, we don’t trust. We verify,” Vance said. “We actually look not at people’s words but people’s deeds.”

He said Washington was also monitoring Iranian statements about potentially imposing tolls on vessels using the strategic waterway.

“The Iranians have told us they have no plans to toll the Strait of Hormuz,” Vance said, adding that the US would judge Tehran by its actions.

Vance said Iran and Gulf countries, particularly Oman, had been discussing ways to maintain safe maritime traffic.

READ: Oman says Strait of Hormuz talks progressing in ‘positive’ atmosphere

He said Iran had laid “a large number of mines” at the start of the conflict, making demining and the establishment of a safe traffic scheme key issues.

“What we’re really working through now is how you can actually set up a traffic scheme so that the ships that pass can pass through safely. That includes, of course, demining,” Vance said.

The US also expects Iran to commit to not firing on commercial vessels, Vance said.

“That also includes a commitment from the Iranians that they’re not going to fire at commercial vessels,” he said.

“They’re hurting in a big way. They want this thing to be over,” he said, adding that the key question was whether Iran’s system could provide what Washington considers necessary for an agreement.

READ: Adviser to Iran’s supreme leader says ‘foreign forces’ must leave region

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UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham admits to blatently lying and engaging in deception to become leader of the UK Labour Party and Prime Minister.
UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham admits to blatently lying and engaging in deception to become leader of the UK Labour Party and Prime Minister.
Donald Trump sings and dances, says that it's fun to kill everyone ... unless he gets distracted or falls asleep.
Donald Trump sings and dances, says that it’s fun to kill everyone … unless he gets distracted or falls asleep.
Orcas discuss rotting brain, front Orca says Sundown Syndrome is a dead givaway and he wishes someone would Lock Him Up
Orcas discuss rotting brain, front Orca says Sundown Syndrome is a dead givaway and he wishes someone would Lock Him Up

Continue ReadingUS expects Iran to ensure safe oil flow through Strait of Hormuz: Vance

Oman says Strait of Hormuz talks progressing in ‘positive’ atmosphere

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A view of commercial cargo vessels and crude oil tankers are anchored in the Gulf of Oman, off the coast of Muscat, Oman, on June 21, 2026. [Shady Alassar – Anadolu Agency]

Oman said Saturday that negotiations on navigation arrangements in the Strait of Hormuz were progressing in a “positive and constructive atmosphere,” while condemning repeated attacks on vessels transiting the strategic waterway, Anadolu reports.

In a statement, the Omani Foreign Ministry said repeated attacks on ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz violated international law and the sovereignty of regional waters, while threatening maritime safety and regional security and stability.

The ministry stressed the importance of avoiding any actions that could affect the ongoing negotiations or the progress achieved, saying the talks should continue in a manner that takes into account the interests of all parties.

READ: Abu Dhabi National Oil Company says its vessel hit by missile in Strait of Hormuz

The statement came hours after the United Arab Emirates accused Iran of targeting an Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) vessel with a missile while it was transiting the Strait of Hormuz.

ADNOC said no injuries were reported and that the situation had been brought under control. Iran had not publicly commented on the allegation.

Earlier Saturday, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Tehran and Muscat were “very close” to reaching an agreement on new shipping arrangements in the Strait of Hormuz.

Araghchi said negotiations with Oman were focused on the legal framework and management of the strategic waterway, including determining a new traffic route.

OPINION: The Gulf Needs an Energy Non-Aggression Pact

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UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham admits to blatently lying and engaging in deception to become leader of the UK Labour Party and Prime Minister.
UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham admits to blatently lying and engaging in deception to become leader of the UK Labour Party and Prime Minister.
Donald Trump sings and dances, says that it's fun to kill everyone ... unless he gets distracted or falls asleep.
Donald Trump sings and dances, says that it’s fun to kill everyone … unless he gets distracted or falls asleep.
Orcas discuss rotting brain, front Orca says Sundown Syndrome is a dead givaway and he wishes someone would Lock Him Up
Orcas discuss rotting brain, front Orca says Sundown Syndrome is a dead givaway and he wishes someone would Lock Him Up

Continue ReadingOman says Strait of Hormuz talks progressing in ‘positive’ atmosphere

Israel’s Netanyahu hints at unilateral military action against Iran amid regional de-escalation efforts

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Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu gives a statement during a visit to the site of the Weizmann Institute of Science, which was hit by an Iranian missile barrage, in the central city of Rehovot on June 20, 2025. [Photo by Jack GUEZ / POOL / AFP / Getty Images]

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday hinted that Israel could take unilateral military action against Iran as diplomatic efforts continued to secure an agreement aimed at ending the conflict between Tehran and Washington, Anadolu reports.

“We heard today the commander of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, Ahmad Vahidi, declare that Iran intends to continue developing a nuclear weapon,” Netanyahu said.

“As Israel’s prime minister, I am determined to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon,” he added.

Describing the US as “Israel’s greatest ally,” the Israeli premier said, however, that he was “determined to do whatever is necessary to ensure” Israel’s security.

On Tuesday, Qatari Foreign Ministry spokesperson Majed Al-Ansari said mediation efforts between the US and Iran had reached “advanced stages,” with the two sides exchanging draft proposals.

READ: Netanyahu: US sent Israel draft Gaza Agreement but ‘we have not approved it’

Speaking at the ministry’s weekly press briefing, Al-Ansari said efforts remained underway with all parties to reach a diplomatic solution.

On Feb. 28, the US and Israel launched a war against Iran that, according to Iranian authorities, killed more than 3,000 people.

Iran responded with attacks on regional countries hosting US assets.

In June, Qatar joined Pakistan as part of a mediation team between Washington and Tehran, leading to the signing of a memorandum of understanding on June 18 and the start of negotiations toward a final agreement.

The talks later stalled over disagreements related to maritime security and freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.

Between July 8 and July 24, tensions escalated again as the US carried out attacks on Iran, prompting Tehran to target what it said were US military facilities and equipment in several Arab countries, particularly Jordan, Bahrain and Kuwait.

READ: Iran, Oman reached ‘preliminary understandings’ on Hormuz transit, says Iranian official

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Orcas discuss rotting brain, front Orca says Sundown Syndrome is a dead givaway and he wishes someone would Lock Him Up

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Iran, Oman reached ‘preliminary understandings’ on Hormuz transit, says Iranian official

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A view of the vessels passing through Strait of Hormuz following the two-week temporary ceasefire reached between the United States and Iran on the condition that the strait be reopened, seen in Oman on April 08, 2026. [Shadi J. H. Alassar – Anadolu Agency]

Iran’s deputy foreign minister said Wednesday that Iran and Oman have reached an understanding on nearly all issues on future Strait of Hormuz arrangements, adding that a final understanding is “on the verge of being finalized.”

Their understanding includes the location of entry and exit routes for maritime traffic, Kazem Gharibabadi said in remarks carried by Iran’s state-run news agency IRNA.

He added, however, that “this understanding does not mean the complete opening of the Strait of Hormuz.”

It represents “rather a new and different model from the past 60-year practice,” he said.

“In order to enter a second phase, Iran needs to assess whether the US is truly prepared to return to its commitments or not,” he said.

Iran’s ongoing talks with Oman are also focused on “future administration arrangements” aimed at defining a long-term framework for managing the Strait of Hormuz, he added.

READ: ‘US interference’ delaying Strait of Hormuz deal with Oman: Report

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Orcas discuss rotting brain, front Orca says Sundown Syndrome is a dead givaway and he wishes someone would Lock Him Up

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