Sudani: We Reject Israel’s Threats; War Decisions Are in Baghdad’s Hands

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani said on Tuesday that the message sent by Israel to the UN Security Council represents “a pretext and justification for aggression against Iraq,” emphasizing his country’s rejection of these “threats.”

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar announced on Monday that he had sent a letter to the president of the UN Security Council urging immediate action to counter the activities of Iran-backed armed groups in Iraq, stating that the Iraqi government is responsible for any actions that occur within or originate from its territory.

During a cabinet meeting, Sudani said, “The letter… represents a pretext and justification for aggression against Iraq, furthering the entity’s ongoing efforts to expand the war in the region.”

He confirmed that Iraq “rejects these threats, and that the decision of war and peace lies solely with the Iraqi state; no party is allowed to take away this right,” reiterating Iraq’s rejection of entering into a war while maintaining the principle of ending conflicts.

Sudani also ordered an emergency meeting of the National Security Council to “follow up on developments and reaffirm Iraq’s stance.”