BAGHDAD: Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi has made it clear to the United States that Iraq will not allow its territory to be used for military operations against Iran or any neighbouring country, stressing the need for diplomatic efforts to ease regional tensions.

According to Saudi newspaper Asharq Al-Awsat, a statement issued by the Iraqi Prime Minister’s Office said al-Zaidi reiterated this position during a conversation with the US president.

He stressed that Iraqi territory should not be used as a launchpad for aggression against neighbouring countries.

The Iraqi premier also highlighted the importance of continued consultations between Baghdad and Washington on matters of mutual interest. He said peaceful solutions and constructive dialogue were essential to maintaining regional security and stability.

Both leaders agreed on the importance of joint efforts to address current regional challenges and prioritise diplomacy and negotiations to promote stability.

Iraq Strengthens Military Presence in Western Regions

Meanwhile, Iraq’s Defence Ministry has announced plans to reinforce military deployments along defensive lines in the country’s western regions.

Ministry spokesperson Major General Yahya Rasool Abdullah said forces from the Jazira and Western Nineveh Operations Commands had begun strengthening their positions along the defensive line between Rawa and Hatra.

The move aims to improve security and stability in the Jazira region, north of the Euphrates River, as well as in Nineveh and Salah al-Din provinces.

According to the spokesperson, the deployment will help secure desert areas, pursue remaining militant elements and prevent them from using the region as a safe haven.

He added that the initiative would also provide a shorter route for civilians and commercial transport, potentially supporting investment and agricultural activities.

Iraq Moves to Expand Domestic Defence Industry

Separately, Prime Minister and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces Ali al-Zaidi visited the Defence Industries Commission on Thursday, where he inspected locally manufactured and upgraded military equipment.

According to the Prime Minister’s Media Office, the equipment included various types of ammunition, light, medium and heavy weapons, drone systems, and surveillance and monitoring devices.

Al-Zaidi expressed support for expanding Iraq’s domestic defence industry and directed officials to strengthen cooperation with the private sector and companies specialising in advanced technologies.

He said Iraq had the local expertise and workforce required to manufacture weapons and military equipment according to its own defence needs.

Describing the development of the defence industry as an important pillar of national sovereignty, he called for greater investment in research, development and technological advancement.

The prime minister also praised the commission’s progress and instructed officials to provide the necessary resources to enhance its production capacity and technical capabilities.

The initiative aims to meet the requirements of Iraq’s armed forces through domestic production and reduce dependence on foreign suppliers.

The Defence Industries Commission was established recently and operates under the authority of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces. Its primary objective is to rebuild Iraq’s defence industrial base and meet the requirements of the armed forces and security institutions.

Iraq’s military manufacturing industry dates back to the 1970s and expanded significantly during the Iran-Iraq war in the 1980s. However, the 1991 Gulf War and international sanctions imposed during the 1990s severely damaged the country’s military stockpiles and industrial infrastructure.