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.
According to Anadolu Agency, the Iraqi Security Media Cell announced that within the framework of the strategic partnership between Iraq and the United States, a Supreme Joint Coordination Committee was formed during its first meeting. This committee aims to intensify cooperation to prevent terrorist attacks and ensure that Iraqi territory is not used as a base for aggression against various entities, including the Iraqi people, security forces, strategic facilities, and American personnel, diplomatic missions, and the international coalition.
Since the onset of the US-Israeli war against Iran in late February, Iraqi factions under the Islamic Resistance in Iraq have targeted US sites in Iraq and the region. In response, the US has conducted strikes on the headquarters of these factions, which include the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), a component of Iraq’s security apparatus, but considered by Washington as an ally of Tehran.
The statement affirmed that both Washington and Baghdad are committed to keeping Iraq out of the ongoing military conflict, respecting its sovereignty, and supporting Iraq in preventing its territory, airspace, and waters from being used for threatening activities against it or other regional states.
Additionally, both parties renewed their commitment to coordinate counterterrorism efforts, emphasizing Iraqi-led actions to achieve shared objectives, maintain stability, and preserve Iraq’s sovereignty.
The regional hostilities have intensified since the US and Israel launched a joint offensive on Iran on February 28, resulting in over 1,340 fatalities, including the former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Tehran has retaliated with drone and missile strikes targeting Israel, Jordan, Iraq, and Gulf countries hosting US military assets, causing casualties, infrastructure damage, and disruptions in global markets and aviation.