Iraq Welcomes Saudi-Iran Agreement, Pro-Tehran Factions Silent

This handout photo released by the Iraqi prime minister's press office shows premier Mohammed Shia al-Sudani addressing the final signing ceremony of the contracts for the latest licensing round for oil and gas border exploration blocks and fields, at the Oil Minister in Baghdad on February 21, 2023. (Iraqi prime minister's press office/AFP)
This handout photo released by the Iraqi prime minister's press office shows premier Mohammed Shia al-Sudani addressing the final signing ceremony of the contracts for the latest licensing round for oil and gas border exploration blocks and fields, at the Oil Minister in Baghdad on February 21, 2023. (Iraqi prime minister's press office/AFP)
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Iraq Welcomes Saudi-Iran Agreement, Pro-Tehran Factions Silent

This handout photo released by the Iraqi prime minister's press office shows premier Mohammed Shia al-Sudani addressing the final signing ceremony of the contracts for the latest licensing round for oil and gas border exploration blocks and fields, at the Oil Minister in Baghdad on February 21, 2023. (Iraqi prime minister's press office/AFP)
This handout photo released by the Iraqi prime minister's press office shows premier Mohammed Shia al-Sudani addressing the final signing ceremony of the contracts for the latest licensing round for oil and gas border exploration blocks and fields, at the Oil Minister in Baghdad on February 21, 2023. (Iraqi prime minister's press office/AFP)

The Iraqi government expressed its satisfaction with the signing of the Chinese-sponsored agreement to restore relations between Saudi Arabia and Iran.

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani received a telephone call from Ali Shamkhani, the secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, to voice Tehran’s gratitude to Baghdad that had hosted negotiations between the Kingdom and Iran.

Iraq had helped bridge the divide between the two sides that culminated in the signing of the agreement this week in Beijing.

For his part, Sudani congratulated Shamkhani on reaching the agreement, which he hoped would help increase harmony between Islamic countries that will in turn reflect positively on the region’s security and stability and offer more opportunities for development and prosperity.

The Iraqi Foreign Ministry said the agreement will create a new “atmosphere that will prioritize the interests of the region.”

In a statement on Saturday, it added that the agreement reflected Saudi Arabia and Iran’s prioritizing of dialogue as the only was to ease tensions.

Moreover, it stressed that Baghdad had hosted the rounds of dialogue between Riyadh and Tehran because it realized that the region needed all its parties to come together.

Baghdad believes that the agreement may lead to solutions to protracted regional issues, it added.

“We aspire for a secure region and an environment that promotes opportunities for development. This is only possible through collective will that overcomes differences,” it stated.

Pro-Iran factions in Iraq have yet to comment on the agreement.

Meanwhile, prominent Iraqi religious and political figures welcomed the agreement.

Head of the Hikma movement Ammar al-Hakim said the development will effectively impact the stability of the region and its strength.

He also highlighted Iraq’s intense efforts in bringing together the Saudis and Iranians to hold dialogue.

National security advisor Qassem al-Araji said diplomatic dialogue is the “best way to resolve conflicts between friends,” praising the Iraqi, Omani and Chinese efforts that led to the signing of the “historic” agreement.

In a tweet, he stated he was “confident that the agreement will have major positive impacts on Iraq, the region and world.”



Namirah Mosque Ready for Hajj’s Arafat Day with Major Upgrades

Significant development projects have been implemented to improve the comfort of pilgrims at the mosque. (SPA)
Significant development projects have been implemented to improve the comfort of pilgrims at the mosque. (SPA)
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Namirah Mosque Ready for Hajj’s Arafat Day with Major Upgrades

Significant development projects have been implemented to improve the comfort of pilgrims at the mosque. (SPA)
Significant development projects have been implemented to improve the comfort of pilgrims at the mosque. (SPA)

The Saudi Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance has completed extensive preparations at Namirah Mosque in Arafat, ensuring it is fully ready to welcome Hajj pilgrims on the day of Arafat, which falls on Thursday. The mosque has been furnished with 125,000 square meters of luxurious carpets.

Significant development projects have been implemented to improve the comfort of pilgrims. The backyard now features 19 canopies that reduce heat stress by an average of 10 degrees Celsius, complemented by sun-reflecting floor paint. The surrounding courtyards are also prepared and cooled with 117 fog fans, lowering temperatures by an average of 9 degrees Celsius.

A major ventilation and air conditioning upgrade includes a new control system that monitors carbon dioxide levels and operates air purification units, allowing for 100% air renewal every 30 minutes. This system also controls water pumps, boosting operational efficiency and providing a healthier environment for pilgrims.

For hydration, 70 water chillers have been installed, each capable of serving 2,000 pilgrims per hour, totaling a capacity of 140,000 pilgrims per hour.

An advanced audio system and security surveillance cameras have also been integrated to boost safety and security.

Furthermore, the mosque's 72 gates and entrances have been strategically organized to ensure a smooth flow of pilgrims.

These extensive tasks were carried out by dedicated supervisory and service teams committed to providing the best services to pilgrims.