Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, the Prime Minister of Iraq, has praised Iran's significant role in aiding Iraq's battle against the Daesh Takfiri terrorist group, highlighting the shared religious and social ties between the two neighboring nations. In an interview with the al-Rafidain Center for Dialogue, Sudani emphasized Iran's unwavering support during the fight against Daesh, underscoring the importance of their bilateral relationship.
Iraq's victory over Daesh in December 2017, following a rigorous three-year counter-terrorism campaign, saw the crucial involvement of groups like the Hashd al-Sha’abi, commonly known as Popular Mobilization Units. Sudani acknowledged the pivotal role played by late General Qassem Soleimani, commander of Iran's Quds Force, in Iraq's successful anti-terrorism efforts.
Regarding the presence of foreign forces in Iraq, Sudani asserted that the conditions necessitating the presence of the US-led international coalition no longer exist. He reiterated the government's commitment to ending the presence of foreign troops in Iraq, outlining plans for a phased withdrawal according to a timetable set by the Higher Military Committee.
The invasion of Iraq by the United States in 2003, based on erroneous claims of weapons of mass destruction, left a devastating legacy of destruction and instability. Despite the US military's purported end to its combat mission in 2021, some 2,500 troops remain in Iraq as advisors.
Sudani also criticized the international community's failure to address the ongoing Israeli aggression in Gaza. He stressed the importance of Palestine to the people of Iraq and called for an immediate halt to Israeli attacks, expressing concern over the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza due to the Israeli blockade and military actions.
The death toll from Israel's assault on Gaza since October 2023 has surpassed 30,400, with the majority being women and children. The Tel Aviv regime's blockade has exacerbated the situation, depriving over two million Palestinians of essential resources such as fuel, electricity, food, and water.
