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Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Falih al-Zaidi chaired an emergency security meeting Saturday to address what his office described as security developments in the region, pledging that Iraq would not permit its soil to be used as a staging ground or transit route for attacks against neighboring countries.
The statement, issued through the Iraqi Prime Minister's Office on social media, said al-Zaidi directed security agencies to prevent "any violation or threat originating from Iraqi territory toward neighboring states."
He also called for the formation of a joint security committee to confront security challenges, and ordered the establishment of deterrent mechanisms to prevent a recurrence of similar incidents or potential future breaches.
Al-Zaidi instructed Iraqi security forces to enforce the law, strengthen security and stability, and fulfill their responsibilities in protecting national sovereignty and upholding principles of good neighborliness.
The statement did not specify which country or group prompted the emergency meeting, nor did it identify the nature of the security developments under discussion.
The Iraqi Armed Forces, the statement said, stand ready to thwart any attempt targeting neighboring countries within the regional environment.
The communique reaffirmed Iraq's commitment to barring the use of its territory as a launchpad or corridor for aggression against "brotherly and friendly nations."
The Iraqi government framed the pledge as consistent with its obligations to preserve national sovereignty, adhere to the principles of good neighborliness, and respect international law. Iraq, which shares borders with Iran, Syria, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Türkiye, has for years faced pressure from multiple directions over the presence of armed groups operating within or across its borders.
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