Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Al-Zaidi

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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Iraqi prime minister says ‘no evidence’ attacks on Gulf states originated from Iraq

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Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi in Baghdad, Iraq on May 14, 2026. [Murtadha Al-Sudani – Anadolu Agency]

Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Al-Zaidi said there is “no evidence” that attacks against Gulf countries originated from Iraqi territory, while reaffirming that Baghdad will not allow its land to be used to target neighboring states.

In an interview with the London-based Asharq Al-Awsat newspaper published Monday evening, Zaidi discussed a host of issues, including restricting weapons to state control, combating corruption, economic reforms and Iraq’s foreign relations.

He said all security force commanders had been instructed to prevent any attempt to use Iraqi territory to launch attacks against neighboring countries.

“We will not accept dictates from outside our borders, neither from the East nor the West. Iraq’s decision belongs to its people,” he said.

Zaidi stressed that Iraq seeks to build strong relations with the international community and neighboring countries.

“After visiting the United States, we have working visits scheduled to Turkiye, Saudi Arabia and Iran,” he said.

Regional tensions escalated when the US and Israel launched attacks against Tehran in February, killing more than 3,000 people, according to Iranian officials. Tehran retaliated with drone and missile attacks targeting Israel and Gulf countries hosting US bases.

Several Gulf states also came under attacks that they say were launched by Iran-backed armed factions in Iraq.

Monopoly of weapons

Zaidi said Iraq will hold a national conference later this year to reinforce the state monopoly of weapons. “There is no place for weapons outside the state, and we will not accept the existence of a state within a state,” he said.

He added that the government has already received weapons from Saraya Al-Islam, Asaib Ahl Al-Haq and Kataib Al-Imam Ali armed groups.

“The most important step is not merely handing over weapons, but severing the link between the armed faction and the fighters under its command.

“We believe resistance is a necessity, not a profession. That necessity no longer exists, and we will not accept a state within a state,” he said.

Zaidi announced Sept. 21 as a final deadline for armed factions to surrender their weapons to the authorities.

READ: Iraq detains politicians, officials in anti-corruption crackdown

Government spokesman Haider Al-Aboudi said Monday that the deadline coincides with the withdrawal of the US-led international coalition forces from Iraq under an agreement reached two years ago.

On June 3, military spokesman Sabah Al-Numan announced the formation of a committee tasked with ensuring that weapons remain exclusively under state control.

The issue of weapons outside state authority remains one of Iraq’s most pressing security and political challenges, with some armed factions operating under the umbrella of the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) while others function independently.

The government says it aims to consolidate state authority over arms as part of broader efforts to strengthen domestic stability and shield Iraq from regional tensions.

Corruption fight

Zaidi described corruption as “a threat to the existence of the Iraqi state,” calling his government’s campaign against corruption “irreversible.”

“There are people seeking to steal Iraq, not to serve it,” he said.

The premier said he had instructed the Finance Ministry to open a special account to recover embezzled Iraqi funds.

Zaidi also pledged not to draw a salary, accept gifts or “allow his hand to touch public money.”

He said he will not seek a second term in office or establish a political party after leaving office.

Zaidi’s government was approved by the Iraqi parliament in May. His constitutional term is four years.

On Sunday, Iraqi authorities announced the arrest of several officials and lawmakers accused of financial and administrative corruption following confessions by detained Deputy Oil Minister Adnan Al-Jumaili.

Jumaili was arrested on June 2 over allegations of financial and administrative corruption and illegal contracts.

Iraq’s Supreme Judicial Council later announced the seizure of about $23 million in cash and the confiscation of 70 properties and 21 luxury vehicles, in addition to about 3 kilograms (6.6 pounds) of gold jewelry.

READ: Iraq sets Sept. 21 deadline for armed factions to surrender weapons

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Continue ReadingIraqi prime minister says ‘no evidence’ attacks on Gulf states originated from Iraq