عربي English Türkçe اردو فارسى
Logo
Latest News
Arab World

Washington Wants an Iraq ‘Free from Malign Influence’

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio (R) meets with Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Fuad Hussein in the Treaty Room of the State Department in Washington, DC, April 25, 2025. (Photo by Jim WATSON / AFP)
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio (R) meets with Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Fuad Hussein in the Treaty Room of the State Department in Washington, DC, April 25, 2025. (Photo by Jim WATSON / AFP)
TT
TT

Washington Wants an Iraq ‘Free from Malign Influence’

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio (R) meets with Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Fuad Hussein in the Treaty Room of the State Department in Washington, DC, April 25, 2025. (Photo by Jim WATSON / AFP)
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio (R) meets with Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Fuad Hussein in the Treaty Room of the State Department in Washington, DC, April 25, 2025. (Photo by Jim WATSON / AFP)

As the US administration on Saturday said it supports a strong and stable Iraq “free from malign influence,” the government in Baghdad affirmed taking practical steps to diversify its energy sources, having been dependent on imported gas from Iran.

Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein held talks Friday with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Washington on ways to activate political, security and economic cooperation. The two sides mainly discussed the issue of Iranian gas.

This is the first meeting between Iraqi and senior US officials since Donald Trump's inauguration as US president in January 2025.

According to the Iraqi Foreign Ministry, Rubio and Hussein discussed the importance of strengthening bilateral cooperation and exchanging information to combat terrorist organizations.

It said the US Secretary of State affirmed his country’s commitment to supporting Iraq's stability and praised the joint efforts made in combating ISIS.

Iraqi politicians fear the US sanctions against Iran could include Iraqi entities and institutions. The government in Baghdad says its succeeded in distancing itself from regional tensions and therefore to build stable relations with Washington.

Energy and the Iranian Gas

After his meeting with Rubio, the Iraqi minister said: “Iraq has begun taking concrete steps toward diversifying energy sources and reducing reliance on imported gas.”

He noted that “Iraq will seek to achieve gas independence, and, within the next few years, will achieve self-sufficiency.”

According to Hussein, Baghdad is stepping up efforts to increase domestic energy production after Washington rescinded a waiver in March that allowed Iraq to import electricity from neighboring Iran.

The waiver was revoked as part of Washington’s “maximum pressure” campaign targeting Iran’s nuclear and military programs.

It came despite repeated attempts by the Iraqi government to convince the US administration that finding an alternative to Iranian gas would take a long time.

Security Warnings

At the security level, Hussein stressed to his US counterpart the importance of reviewing the security warnings related to travel to Iraq, which negatively impact the entry of US companies to the country.

He noted the good security situation in Iraq and what this could represent as an additional factor attracting foreign investment.

Concerning the ISIS threats, the Iraqi minister stressed “the need to deal cautiously with the prisons under the control of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), where approximately 10,000 of the most dangerous members of the terrorist organization ISIS are held.”

The two officials also discussed developments in the region, particularly in Syria.

Hussein stressed the importance of launching a comprehensive political process that respects the rights of all Syrian components and contributes to enhancing regional stability, noting that “Syria's stability has a positive impact on security in Iraq.”

Malign Influence

For his part, Rubio said “a strong, stable, and sovereign Iraq, free from malign influence, is vital to regional stability and the preservation of US interests and opportunities there.”
Rubio added in a post on X: “I had a valuable dialogue with Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein. I commend his efforts to de-escalate tensions and promote constructive dialogue in the region.”

Tammy Bruce, the US State Department spokesperson, said on Thursday that the Iraqi Foreign Minister will hold meetings with the US officials in Washington DC.
“Dr. Fuad Hussein will be here at the State Department tomorrow for various meetings. I will be in one of those meetings,” she said.

Talks on Iraq’s Finance

Also in Washington, Iraqi Finance Minister Taif Sami and Central Bank Governor Ali Al-Alaq held talks with senior officials from the World Bank and International Monetary Fund on the sidelines of the Spring Meetings.

“The Finance Minister gave an explanation of the economic situation in Iraq. She also touched on the role of the World Bank in supporting reform programs to maximize revenues, decrease expenditures, in addition to advancing digitization and accelerating infrastructure, energy and environment projects,” an Iraqi government statement said.

Most Viewed

 
 
Arab World

Aoun: Lebanon Rejects Being A Bargaining Chip in Regional Conflicts

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun delivers his address at an informal European Union leaders’ meeting in Cyprus (AP)
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun delivers his address at an informal European Union leaders’ meeting in Cyprus (AP)
TT
TT

Aoun: Lebanon Rejects Being A Bargaining Chip in Regional Conflicts

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun delivers his address at an informal European Union leaders’ meeting in Cyprus (AP)
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun delivers his address at an informal European Union leaders’ meeting in Cyprus (AP)

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun said Lebanon “refuses to be a bargaining chip in regional conflicts,” stressing it “negotiates in its own name, in defense of its national interests and sovereignty,” as Beirut pursues a US-sponsored diplomatic track backed by European and Arab support to reach a lasting end to the war and ensure arms are held exclusively by the state.

Aoun made the remarks in Lebanon’s address to an informal meeting of European Union leaders, attended by southern neighbors and convened by Nikos Christodoulides during Cyprus’ EU presidency.

He said Lebanon had “engaged in a diplomatic negotiation process under US sponsorship, with support from the European Union and Arab countries,” aimed at a “sustainable solution” that ends Israeli attacks and secures a full Israeli withdrawal behind internationally recognized borders, allowing the state to extend authority over all its territory.

“Lebanon today refuses to be a bargaining chip in regional conflicts. It negotiates in its own name, in defense of its national interests and sovereignty,” he said, adding the country “places great importance on de-escalation and achieving stability and peace,” and that diplomacy, not escalation, is the only path to a lasting solution.

Severe humanitarian situation

Aoun described conditions on the ground as “extremely dangerous,” citing “more than 1,300 evacuation orders affecting 311 towns and over 6,800 airstrikes up to April 11,” leaving “more than 10,000 casualties, killed and wounded.”

He accused Israel of “violating international law” by targeting medical teams, hospitals, schools, journalists and places of worship, and by the “systematic destruction” of villages and civilian infrastructure to prevent residents from returning. Displacement has “exceeded one million,” he said.

Only 13% of the displaced are in shelters, mostly in public schools and universities, increasing pressure on the education system, he added. Lebanon still hosts around one million Syrian refugees, placing “significant strain” on infrastructure, services and host communities. He described the crisis as “not a conventional humanitarian crisis, but an existential one by all measures.”

Economic losses mount

More than 150,000 people are expected to have no homes to return to after the war.

Aoun urged the EU to convene an international conference on reconstruction and recovery, alongside boosting humanitarian funding, and called for reviving a France-backed conference to support the Lebanese army, which he described as “a guarantor of national unity and a cornerstone of local and regional stability.”

Syrian refugees

Aoun called for coordination with Syrian authorities, backed by international partners, to step up efforts for the safe and dignified return of Syrian refugees, saying Syria’s recovery offers “a real opportunity” to advance the process gradually and in an organized manner.

He said Lebanon is “not merely a humanitarian case,” but is directly tied to regional stability, migration, counterterrorism and energy security, urging stronger cooperation with Europe.

Nicosia meetings: French and Italian support

On the sidelines, Aoun met French President Emmanuel Macron, briefing him on efforts to end the conflict and ease the suffering of the Lebanese people.

He said Lebanon had pressed in talks at the US State Department and the White House for a ceasefire, followed by a three-week extension to halt hostilities, stop the destruction of homes in villages occupied by Israeli forces, and end attacks on medics, Red Cross and civil defense personnel, journalists and civilians.

Aoun also outlined Lebanon’s post-ceasefire position, thanking France for aid to displaced Lebanese and expressing hope for continued support from France and EU countries.

Macron reaffirmed France’s backing, saying he had contacted European leaders and partners to support Lebanon’s push to consolidate a ceasefire and begin bilateral negotiations, adding Paris would continue efforts to bolster Lebanon’s position.

Aoun also met Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, briefing her on ceasefire contacts and two rounds of talks in Washington, the first attended by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and the second by US President Donald Trump.

“The option of war leads to no result,” he said.

Meloni reaffirmed Italy’s support for Lebanon, particularly for direct bilateral negotiations, and said Rome was ready to assist efforts to achieve stability, while continuing aid.

Arab World

Gaza Reconstruction Back on the Table, Parallel Track to the Board of Peace

Palestinians walk amid the rubble of destroyed buildings in the Jabalia refugee camp in northern Gaza (AFP)
Palestinians walk amid the rubble of destroyed buildings in the Jabalia refugee camp in northern Gaza (AFP)
TT
TT

Gaza Reconstruction Back on the Table, Parallel Track to the Board of Peace

Palestinians walk amid the rubble of destroyed buildings in the Jabalia refugee camp in northern Gaza (AFP)
Palestinians walk amid the rubble of destroyed buildings in the Jabalia refugee camp in northern Gaza (AFP)

The reconstruction of the Gaza Strip has returned to the agenda in recent days during Egyptian talks with international parties, amid a stalemate in implementing the ceasefire and earlier reports of funding problems facing the “Board of Peace” led by U.S. President Donald Trump.

Those reports were later denied, but without producing tangible steps toward even early recovery.

Egyptian experts told Asharq Al-Awsat that Cairo is pushing the file forward, either by opening parallel tracks to the Board of Peace’s reconstruction plan or by breaking the deadlock in the ceasefire phases, while preserving the agreement’s effectiveness as attention shifts to the “Iran war.”

Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty met Japan’s envoy for Gaza reconstruction, Takeshi Okubo, days ago, discussing “early recovery and reconstruction efforts in light of the ongoing regional escalation.”

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Ambassador Tamim Khallaf said Abdelatty stressed the need to accelerate early recovery through practical projects with immediate impact on Palestinians’ lives, including medicines, construction materials, desalination plants, mobile power units, and adequate temporary housing, taking into account realities on the ground and residents’ needs.

The issue also featured during Abdelatty’s mid-April visit to Washington, where he discussed with Stefan Emblad ways to boost cooperation on early recovery and reconstruction.

Abdelatty called for a major role for the World Bank in ensuring sustainable living conditions for Palestinians, citing its experience in reconstruction. He stressed the need to prioritize urgent projects and affirmed Egypt’s readiness to fully cooperate with the Board of Peace and the bank.

Ashraf Harbi of the Egyptian Council for Foreign Affairs said reviving the reconstruction file aims to create parallel paths to the Board of Peace’s steps, which have yet to begin, adding that Cairo is counting on international and European institutions to push early recovery.

He said Egypt is also seeking to break the ceasefire deadlock and sustain momentum on the Palestinian issue and the “Gaza agreement,” amid fears of a complete freeze as global attention turns to the Iran war.

In recent weeks, Cairo hosted talks between Hamas and the Board of Peace’s representative in Gaza, Nickolay Mladenov, focused largely on Hamas disarmament, but without agreement.

Mladenov said arrangements acceptable to all parties “will take some time.”

A Reuters report in early April said the Board of Peace had received only a small share of the $17 billion pledged for Gaza, delaying Trump’s plan for the devastated territory.

The Board said it faces no funding obstacles and that all requests were met “immediately and in full,” adding it is focused on enabling a national committee to manage Gaza, restoring governance, and expanding aid.

Days before the Iran war erupted in February, Washington hosted the Board of Peace’s first meeting, where countries pledged billions for Gaza’s reconstruction and administration after two years of war.

The plan envisions large-scale reconstruction alongside Hamas disarmament and an Israeli withdrawal, paving the way for a Palestinian national committee to take over governance.

Ahmed Fouad Anwar, also of the Egyptian Council for Foreign Affairs, said Cairo is stepping up efforts to overcome Israeli obstacles that have delayed a technocratic committee from taking over in Gaza and hindered the formation of a “stabilization force,” both of which are tied to reconstruction and early recovery.

He said delays in implementing the ceasefire are also linked to funding for reconstruction and development.

Cairo is working to establish a practical starting point to boost humanitarian and development support through the World Bank or the Japan International Cooperation Agency, aiming to restore hope for Palestinians facing harsh conditions.

Anwar added that the faltering first phase of the ceasefire, Israel’s withdrawal from only 55 percent of Gaza, and the focus on the Iran war and its economic and political fallout, including the risk of renewed fighting, are shaping the Palestinian landscape and require intensified action on multiple tracks.

International institutions estimate Gaza’s reconstruction cost at about $70 billion after widespread destruction of infrastructure and buildings, leaving the enclave’s future dependent on funding and political consensus.

The World Health Organization said on Friday that rebuilding Gaza’s health system will require $10 billion over five years, with 1,800 health facilities damaged, some fully and others partially.

Arab World

Lebanon Ambassador in Riyadh: Saudi Arabia Played Key Ceasefire Role

CAPTION: Lebanon’s ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Ali Karanouh (Asharq Al-Awsat)
CAPTION: Lebanon’s ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Ali Karanouh (Asharq Al-Awsat)
TT
TT

Lebanon Ambassador in Riyadh: Saudi Arabia Played Key Ceasefire Role

CAPTION: Lebanon’s ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Ali Karanouh (Asharq Al-Awsat)
CAPTION: Lebanon’s ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Ali Karanouh (Asharq Al-Awsat)

Lebanon’s ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Ali Karanouh, said a phone call on Tuesday between Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman, along with a statement by Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, marked the culmination of Saudi efforts that drew on the kingdom’s regional and international weight to secure Lebanon’s inclusion in a temporary ceasefire agreement. He added that the Saudi crown prince affirmed the kingdom’s support for Lebanon in asserting its sovereignty and backing its efforts to preserve its resources and the safety and unity of its territory.

Karanouh, who took up his post in Saudi Arabia less than six months ago after serving as a diplomatic adviser to the prime minister, told Asharq Al-Awsat in an extended phone interview that the past days during the war had been difficult for Lebanon and the region, with a large number of casualties and widespread destruction.

He also referred to Lebanon’s position, which unequivocally condemns Iranian attacks on Gulf states, stressing his country’s need for all its friends, foremost among them Saudi Arabia, given its regional and international weight.

He said that reaching a ceasefire agreement is, in itself, an achievement, given the complexities of the regional situation and Lebanon’s internal challenges.

Karanouh said Lebanon’s position “aims to liberate its land, preserve its rights, and achieve sustainable security and stability,” expressing hope that the negotiations represent the only hope for Lebanon, given the difficult situation and the war it was drawn into, which it does not want and its people do not want, while paying a heavy price.

He added that Lebanon hopes the next phase, through the return of security and stability, will allow it to continue the path it had begun before the war, paving the way for rebuilding the state and extending its authority over all its territory.

On reports of recent visits by Lebanese politicians to Saudi Arabia, the ambassador said the kingdom maintains relations with all parties in Lebanon and calls for unity, security, stability, and the preservation of civil peace.

He noted that Saudi Arabia had previously sponsored the Taif Agreement and the reconstruction phase that followed, adding that these visits came within that framework.

He said this had been reflected domestically through a reduction in the intensity of rhetoric and a calming of internal tensions in recent periods, in favor of a unifying discourse and national unity, which has had a positive impact on Lebanon’s internal situation, where civil peace and a ceasefire are top priorities.

Karanouh said there is genuine seriousness today in addressing the issues that have affected Lebanon’s relations with Arab and Gulf states, with the aim of lifting the ban on Lebanese exports and rebuilding trust.

He added that the Lebanese side has held multiple meetings with Arab envoys, listened to their concerns, and is working to address many of them, noting that significant progress has been made and that many issues have already been resolved.

He added that there is a track of dialogue and cooperation with Saudi Arabia in this regard, noting that security concerns are troubling all parties at this stage.

Karanouh said the return of security and stability is a condition for the return of Gulf nationals to Lebanon, reiterating the current government’s seriousness in ensuring this, especially since the start of the current term under Aoun and Salam.

He cited cooperation in combating drug trafficking and tightening control over crossings and airports, adding that the outbreak of war had frozen these Lebanese efforts, with the priority shifting to preserving lives.

The ambassador said the Lebanese army has a responsibility to extend its authority over all Lebanese territory, expressing Lebanon’s aspiration for support from Saudi Arabia and Gulf states to help the army carry out its major responsibilities, alongside support for reconstruction, stability and economic recovery.

He said Gulf states are “the lifeblood of Lebanon,” adding that “the return of Gulf nationals to Lebanon is like the return of life to Lebanon and its economy.”

Karanouh concluded by thanking the Saudi Foreign Ministry for its cooperation with the Lebanese embassy in Saudi Arabia and Lebanese embassies in Gulf states in facilitating the entry of more than 1,500 Lebanese nationals stranded in Gulf countries during the war and the closure of most airports and flights in the region, by securing transit visas and facilitating their return home or onward travel to Saudi Arabia and other destinations.

On a symposium held by the Gulf Cooperation Council on Tuesday, attended by the council’s secretary general as well as a number of ambassadors and experts, Karanouh said the event itself was a message of attention to Lebanon and a reaffirmation of support.

He said GCC Secretary General Jasem Albudaiwi affirmed the council’s support for Lebanon, the implementation of international resolutions, the restriction of arms to the state, and the extension of state authority over all Lebanese territory.

He stressed that this position aligns with Lebanon’s demands and with the Taif Agreement, particularly regarding the extension of state authority over all its territory, adding that it is also a central element of the president’s inaugural address and a key part of the ministerial statement of Prime Minister Nawaf Salam’s government.

Karanouh expressed hope that the efforts of both sides would lead to the return of security and stability to Lebanon and the region, paving the way for the return of investments and Gulf tourists to Lebanon.

Over the past 48 hours, there have been a series of political consultations between the two countries. On Wednesday, Karanouh met Saudi Deputy Foreign Minister Saud Al-Sati to discuss issues of mutual interest.

On Thursday, the Lebanese presidency said President Joseph Aoun received Prince Yazid bin Farhan, adviser to the Saudi foreign minister, and discussed the current situation in light of recent developments and Saudi Arabia’s role in helping Lebanon overcome its difficult circumstances.

On the same day, Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, in a phone call with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan, thanked the kingdom for its efforts to help Lebanon and halt the aggression against it. He also discussed developments in Lebanon and the region with Prince Faisal.