Synopsis
Iraqi PM Mohammed Shia' al-Sudani emphasizes the importance of de-escalation and dialogue for resolving Middle Eastern crises amidst rising tensions due to US military strikes on Yemen's Houthis. Al-Sudani's consistent stance aims to address regional challenges while ensuring Iraq's commitment to security cooperation.Key Takeaways
- De-escalation and dialogue are crucial for resolving crises.
- Iraq maintains a consistent stance on regional challenges.
- The US will continue operations until Houthi attacks cease.
- Security cooperation in combating IS is vital.
- The situation in Syria remains a concern for both parties.
Baghdad, March 17 (NationPress) The Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' al-Sudani has highlighted that de-escalation and dialogue are the most effective means of resolving crises in the sensitive and crucial region of the Middle East.
His comments came on Sunday amid escalating tensions following recent US military strikes on Yemen's Houthi group, as reported by Xinhua news agency.
In a phone call with US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, al-Sudani reiterated that this approach reflects Iraq's steadfast position in tackling regional challenges, affirming that Iraq will continue to adhere to this principle, as stated by al-Sudani's media office.
Hegseth, in turn, discussed the latest developments concerning military operations in Yemen, emphasizing that the US will persist with its operations unless the Houthi group halts its attacks on US forces and its disruptions to navigation in the Red Sea, according to the statement.
Both parties highlighted the necessity of ongoing security collaboration within the US-led international coalition aimed at combating the Islamic State (IS) extremist group, with al-Sudani reaffirming Iraq's commitment to protecting international coalition advisors.
Their talks also touched upon “regional security dynamics, particularly the alarming situation in Syria,” as both sides expressed their resolve to prevent IS in Syria from becoming a threat, the statement indicated.
The US will continue to target Yemen's Houthis until they cease their assaults on shipping, the US Defense Secretary stated on Sunday, as the Iran-aligned group indicated a possible escalation in response to fatal US strikes on Saturday.
The airstrikes, which the Houthi-run Health Ministry reported resulted in the deaths of at least 53 individuals, mark the largest US military operation in the Middle East since President Donald Trump assumed office in January.
Houthi leader Abdul Malik al-Houthi proclaimed on Sunday that his forces would aim at US ships in the Red Sea as long as the US continues its military actions in Yemen.
“If they persist in their aggression, we will escalate our response,” he declared in a televised address.
The Houthi movement’s political bureau condemned the attacks as a “war crime,” while Moscow urged Washington to halt the strikes.
The Houthi military spokesperson claimed on Sunday, without providing evidence, that the group had targeted the US aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman and its warships in the Red Sea with ballistic missiles and drones in retaliation for the US strikes.
