Iraq has obtained proof that foreign parties are utilizing its land to carry out attacks against neighboring nations, Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein told Al Jazeera in an exclusive interview on Saturday.
Investigating Regional Attacks and Disarmament
Baghdad is actively investigating assaults launched from inside Iraq directed at Gulf states, according to Hussein. Saudi Arabia has previously blamed Iran-aligned groups operating inside Iraq for targeting its oil infrastructure, and Baghdad confirmed in September that drone strikes on the kingdom’s East-West pipeline came from Iraqi soil.
Hussein stated that Baghdad is currently negotiating with these Iran-aligned armed factions to integrate their weapons under state authority. He emphasized that this disarmament process must be handled through dialogue rather than military force. Furthermore, Iraq is in direct contact with Tehran concerning the weapons possessed by these domestic factions.
The Iraqi government initially set a September 30 deadline for armed groups to surrender their weapons to state control, coinciding with the scheduled departure of the US-led international coalition against ISIL (ISIS). However, due to resistance against the policy, authorities extended the deadline to June 2027 despite continuous pressure from the United States to complete the disarmament.
Balancing Relations With Washington and Tehran
Addressing Iraq’s diplomatic balancing act between the United States and Iran, Hussein revealed that Washington formally requested the closure of all border crossings with Iran except for two. While noting that Iraq welcomes friendly relations and an alliance with Tehran, the foreign minister stressed that his country firmly rejects any interference in its internal affairs.
Hussein also reported that Iraq suffered financial losses totaling approximately $60 billion due to the suspension of oil exports through the Strait of Hormuz. Shipments have since resumed following successful understandings reached with both Washington and Tehran.
Regarding regional security after the coalition withdrawal, Hussein explained that Iraq, Syria, Jordan, and Turkiye have established a joint committee to combat the ongoing presence of ISIL inside Syria.
Al Jazeera will broadcast the full interview with the Iraqi foreign minister on Sunday at 21:00 Doha time.
