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Iraq’s al-Zaidi talks to Trump as Baghdad seeks to stay out of war on Iran
Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi has told US President Donald Trump that Iraq will not allow its territory to be used for attacks on neighbouring countries, as Baghdad seeks to avoid being drawn into renewed conflict with Iran. The call comes amid diplomatic efforts to avert further US strikes and reflects Iraq’s attempt to preserve relations with both Washington and Tehran.
Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein warned that a new war would be disastrous, saying neither Iraqi society nor its armed forces were prepared for it. Iraq has faced attacks from the US, Iran and armed groups since the conflict began in February, and has lost more than $60bn in oil revenue after Iran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz disrupted exports. Oil provides about 90 percent of Iraq’s federal budget, while Iran has since allowed some Iraqi vessels to pass through the strait.
In short
- Al-Zaidi told Trump Iraq will not be a launchpad for attacks on neighbours.
- Iraq’s foreign minister warned renewed war on Iran would be disastrous.
- The conflict has cost Iraq more than $60bn in oil revenue.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Iraq has strong grounds to refuse the use of its territory for attacks: doing so could expose its people and infrastructure to retaliation and pull a fragile country into a war its foreign minister says it is unprepared to fight. Preserving room for diplomacy with both the United States and Iran may also help protect Iraq’s sovereignty and its vital oil-dependent economy.
The case against
A critic could argue that a blanket refusal risks limiting Iraq’s ability to co-operate with the United States on security and could be seen as accommodating Tehran, whose actions have already disrupted Iraqi oil exports. From this perspective, Baghdad should retain flexibility to support defensive measures or its partners if regional attacks threaten Iraqi security, while seeking to avoid escalation.