Sudani to Tehran: We Reject Unilateral Actions by Any Nation in Iraq

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani meets with Iran's Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council Ali Akbar Ahmadian, in Baghdad, Iraq, February 5, 2024. (Iraqi Prime Minister Media Office/Handout via Reuters)
Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani meets with Iran's Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council Ali Akbar Ahmadian, in Baghdad, Iraq, February 5, 2024. (Iraqi Prime Minister Media Office/Handout via Reuters)
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Sudani to Tehran: We Reject Unilateral Actions by Any Nation in Iraq

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani meets with Iran's Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council Ali Akbar Ahmadian, in Baghdad, Iraq, February 5, 2024. (Iraqi Prime Minister Media Office/Handout via Reuters)
Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani meets with Iran's Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council Ali Akbar Ahmadian, in Baghdad, Iraq, February 5, 2024. (Iraqi Prime Minister Media Office/Handout via Reuters)

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani informed on Monday Iran's Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council Ali Akbar Ahmadian of Baghdad’s rejection of “any unilateral actions by any nation that violate international principles of mutual respect.”

Sudani received Ahmadian in Baghdad, stressing his country’s keenness on the principle of good neighborliness and establishing “the best relations with regional and world countries.”

At the same time, the relations must not be exploited at the expense of Iraq’s sovereignty and security, said a government statement.

Relations between Baghdad and Tehran have grown strained after Iran launched a ballistic missile attack against a Kurdish businessman’s residence in Erbil in January, claiming he was collaborating with Israel.

Iraq denied the allegations and threatened to file a complaint against Iran at the United Nations Security Council.

Ahmadian underscored Iran’s “commitment to Iraq’s security and stability,” continued the government statement. This was Ahmadian’s first visit to Iraq since assuming his post in June 2023.



Lebanon’s New PM Sees Positive Atmosphere in Cabinet Formation Talks

This handout picture provided by the press office of the Lebanese presidency shows Lebanon's Prime Minister-designate Nawaf Salam speaking to the media at the presidential palace in Baabda, east of Beirut on January 17, 2025. (Lebanese Presidency / Handout/ AFP
This handout picture provided by the press office of the Lebanese presidency shows Lebanon's Prime Minister-designate Nawaf Salam speaking to the media at the presidential palace in Baabda, east of Beirut on January 17, 2025. (Lebanese Presidency / Handout/ AFP
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Lebanon’s New PM Sees Positive Atmosphere in Cabinet Formation Talks

This handout picture provided by the press office of the Lebanese presidency shows Lebanon's Prime Minister-designate Nawaf Salam speaking to the media at the presidential palace in Baabda, east of Beirut on January 17, 2025. (Lebanese Presidency / Handout/ AFP
This handout picture provided by the press office of the Lebanese presidency shows Lebanon's Prime Minister-designate Nawaf Salam speaking to the media at the presidential palace in Baabda, east of Beirut on January 17, 2025. (Lebanese Presidency / Handout/ AFP

Lebanese Prime Minister-designate Nawaf Salam said on Friday the formation of a new government would not be delayed, indicating a very positive atmosphere in discussions over its composition.

Salam was nominated by a majority of lawmakers on Monday to form the new government, although he did not win the backing of the Shiite parties Hezbollah and the Amal Movement, led by parliament Speaker Nabih Berri.

"The atmosphere is more than positive among all the blocs and today from Speaker Berri," Salam said, speaking to reporters after a meeting with President Joseph Aoun, who was elected by parliament on Jan. 9.

Berri, a close Hezbollah ally, said on Friday he held a "promising meeting" with Salam.

The Iran-backed Hezbollah and Amal had wanted the incumbent Prime Minister Najib Mikati to stay in the post, but a majority of lawmakers opted for Salam, who formerly served as president of the International Court of Justice.

Government formation discussions are often protracted in Lebanon, due to bartering among its sectarian factions over cabinet positions.