The Iraqi government has reiterated its support for diplomatic solutions to resolve the Syrian crisis, emphasizing its coordination with Iran, Russia, and the United States to restore stability amidst the rapid expansion of armed factions.
This stance coincided with a meeting on Friday involving the foreign ministers of Iraq, Iran, and Syria, which concluded with an agreement on the “necessity of continued consultations,” according to official statements.
Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani stressed the importance of aligning with Arab countries to form a unified stance on regional challenges, particularly the situation in Syria. During his meeting with Syrian Foreign Minister Bassam Sabbagh, Al-Sudani reaffirmed Iraq’s continued political and diplomatic efforts to safeguard security in Syria, noting its direct impact on the stability of the region as a whole.
He also underscored Iraq’s commitment to supporting Syria and its people, emphasizing the importance of preserving Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Following a meeting with Iraqi President Abdul Latif Rashid, Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi praised Iraq’s efforts to resolve regional conflicts and promote stability. Rashid affirmed Iraq’s consistent role in fostering international peace and security, stressing the need for ongoing coordination to prevent the repercussions of escalating events in the region.
On Friday, Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein met with Sabbagh and Araghchi for a tripartite discussion on the implications of the Syrian crisis, particularly the recent armed faction takeovers of several Syrian cities.
At a joint press conference with Araghchi, Hussein stressed that regional security cannot be achieved through military means alone, highlighting the necessity of diplomatic engagement. Araghchi echoed this stance, emphasizing that insecurity in Syria poses a threat to the entire region and accusing the US and Israel of backing armed groups to destabilize the area.
Araghchi, however, expressed Iran’s openness to deploying forces to Syria should the Syrian government request military support to aid President Bashar al-Assad. “If the Syrian government asks for Iranian military support, we will consider the request,” he said.
Hussein, for his part, reaffirmed Iraq’s commitment to protecting its territory and borders from terrorist threats through the efforts of its armed forces. He also revealed plans for Baghdad to host a regional summit involving Türkiye, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Egypt, and Jordan to discuss the Syrian crisis and provide humanitarian aid.
While affirming Iran’s support for the Syrian government, Araghchi also emphasized the need for a political initiative in Syria, which he said would be a key topic at the upcoming Astana talks in Doha with Turkish and Russian counterparts.
He also acknowledged that mistakes have been made by the Assad government but argued that extremist groups using violence in Syria must not be allowed to expand.
According to a senior Iranian official quoted by Reuters, Tehran plans to increase its military assistance to Assad, including deploying missiles, drones, and additional military advisors. The official stated that Iran has already taken steps to enhance its intelligence support for Syria and is exploring joint defense strategies with Iraq.
Iraq’s Ministry of Defense recently announced the deployment of armored military forces along its border with Syria, stretching from Al-Qaim to the Jordanian border in western Iraq. A government advisor told Reuters that these forces are tasked with defending Iraq’s western flank, not intervening in Syria. However, the advisor acknowledged that developments, such as the fall of key cities like Homs or a shift in Assad’s position, could potentially alter the stance of certain Iraqi factions.
Iraqi government spokesperson Basim Al-Awadi confirmed that Baghdad is coordinating with Syria, Iran, Russia, and the US to address the Syrian crisis. Al-Awadi emphasized that Syria’s situation is a matter of Iraqi national security, noting Iraq’s recent efforts to secure its borders and engage in diplomatic discussions with regional and international actors.
