Iraq, US express commitment to keep Iraq out of regional escalation

BAGHDAD

Iraq and the US expressed a commitment Friday to keep Iraq out of the military conflict in the region and ensure that its territory is not used as a launchpad for attacks. ​​​​​​​

"Within the framework of the strategic partnership between Iraq and the United States, it was decided to form a Supreme Joint Coordination Committee yesterday (Thursday) during the first meeting of the Supreme Joint Coordination Committee," the Iraqi Security Media Cell said in a statement.

It added that both sides decided "to intensify cooperation to prevent terrorist attacks and ensure that Iraqi territory is not used as a base for any aggression against the Iraqi people, Iraqi security forces, Iraqi strategic facilities and assets, as well as against American personnel, diplomatic missions, and the international coalition.”

Since the start of the US-Israeli war against Iran in late February, Iraqi factions under the Islamic Resistance in Iraq have launched attacks targeting US sites in Iraq and the region, according to daily statements.

The US responded by striking the headquarters of the factions, including the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), which is part of Iraq’s security apparatus, although Washington views them as an ally of Tehran.

Washington and Baghdad “affirmed their commitment to keeping Iraq out of the ongoing military conflict in the region, fully respecting its sovereignty, and supporting Iraq in ensuring that its territory, airspace and territorial waters are not used to threaten it, its neighboring countries, or other regional states," according to the statement.

The parties also renewed their commitment to coordinate counterterrorism efforts in a way that prioritizes Iraqi-led action to achieve shared objectives while maintaining stability and safeguarding Iraq’s sovereignty.

Hostilities in the region have escalated since the US and Israel launched a joint offensive on Iran on Feb. 28, killing more than 1,340 people, including then-Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.

Tehran has retaliated with waves of drone and missile strikes targeting Israel, Jordan, Iraq and Gulf countries hosting US military assets, inflicting casualties and infrastructure damage while disrupting global markets and aviation.

*Writing by Serdar Dincel