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Iraqi FM: Iran Can't Strike Israel, Yet Targets Friendly Ally

Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein
Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein
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Iraqi FM: Iran Can't Strike Israel, Yet Targets Friendly Ally

Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein
Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein

Hours before Iraq lodged a complaint against Iran at the UN Security Council, Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein criticized Iran’s attack on Erbil, calling it an “attempt to export its internal problems.”
Speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Hussein stated that Iraq has taken political and diplomatic steps in response to Iran’s attack in Erbil, denying Tehran’s claims about Israeli intelligence on Iraqi soil.
Tehran’s assault had killed four civilians in Erbil on Monday.
Hussein linked the attack on Iraqi Kurdistan to rising tensions between Iran and Israel due to the Gaza conflict, suggesting clashes between Iranians and Israelis.
When asked about additional measures Iraq is considering in response to the targeting of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard in the Kurdistan region of Iraq, Hussein said: “Iraq is responding to Iran’s aggression with diplomatic, political, and legal measures.”
“We've summoned the second-in-command at the Iranian embassy, delivering a protest note about the attack in Erbil and the loss of Iraqi lives.”
“We've asked our ambassador in Tehran to return, and a joint investigation committee has been formed at the directive of the Prime Minister, set to report its findings on Wednesday.”
“Apart from these steps, we've filed a complaint with the UN Security Council.”

As for Iran's claim about targeting an Israeli Mossad headquarters in Erbil, Hussein affirmed that there’s no evidence of Israeli intelligence on Iraqi soil.
“The Iranians are deflecting internal issues onto others. Similar false accusations were made a year ago when Iran targeted a residential house, falsely claiming it was a Mossad base,” he said.
Noting that Iran seems unable to confront Israel directly, Hussein pointed to Tehran choosing to target Erbil instead.
The top Iraqi diplomat also mentioned that even with Iranian presence in Syria and on the Israeli border, Tehran appears unwilling to directly confront Israel.
Regarding the motive behind attacking Erbil, Hussein said that the whole assault is perplexing since Erbil is part of Iraq, a neighboring and friendly nation with strong historical, geographical, religious, cultural, and economic ties to Iran.
“In the past, Iraq supported Iran diplomatically, working to improve its relations with Arab and European countries and the US,” reminded Hussein.
“Now, Iran's attack on Iraq, its ally, is a strategic mistake that will likely be realized over time,” he added.
“It seems there are understood rules of engagement between Israelis and Iranians,” highlighted Hussein.
“The attack on Erbil might be viewed by some in Tehran as a response to the Kerman terrorist incident claimed by ISIS Khorasan.”
“Iran claims to fight Israelis, suggesting there are rules of engagement, but for domestic reasons, Iranians targeted the militarily weaker link, Iraq, their friend, rather than confronting their enemy directly,” noted Hussein.
In relation to the withdrawal of US forces from Iraq, Hussein mentioned that Iraq aims for a negotiation process with the US, noting Washington’s readiness for talks under normal circumstances.
“The Iraqi government insists on resolving the issue through talks, not force,” he affirmed, adding that Iraq is in ongoing discussions with the US about starting these negotiations.
“Despite recent violence, the Americans are open to discussing their presence in Iraq under normal conditions,” asserted the minister.
“We invited them in the past, and we can now ask them to leave, but it should be a mutual decision,” he explained, noting that Iraq is working towards an agreement to kickstart negotiations.
Recent weeks saw increased hostilities against US interests in Iraq, leading to Washington targeting Iraqi factions with ties to Iran.
On Iraq-Saudi relations, Hussein mentioned they are in excellent shape, expressing Iraq’s desire to boost economic cooperation and encourage Saudi investment in the country.
“Iraq and Saudi Arabia currently enjoy excellent political relations,” said Hussein.
“We've played a key role in mending ties between Saudi Arabia and Iran, and this is something we're pleased about. Iran is a neighbor, and better relations between Arab countries and Iran benefit Iraq,” he added.
Hussein further explained that tensions in the region negatively affect Iraq, so positive relations are crucial.
“Our relationship with Saudi Arabia is exceptional,” he affirmed.
As for Baghdad and Riyadh working on ways to collaborate in trade and the economy, Hussein said: “We consistently work together on oil issues within OPEC, coordinate internationally, and engage within the Arab League.”
“Looking ahead, we aim to strengthen economic ties and attract Saudi investment in Iraq. Foreign investment is vital for building Iraq's economy,” said Hussein.

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Al-Sharaa to Asharq Al-Awsat: Revolution Ended with Regime’s Fall, Will Not Be Exported

Ahmed Al-Sharaa in the interview with Bissane El-Cheikh in Damascus on Thursday
Ahmed Al-Sharaa in the interview with Bissane El-Cheikh in Damascus on Thursday
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Al-Sharaa to Asharq Al-Awsat: Revolution Ended with Regime’s Fall, Will Not Be Exported

Ahmed Al-Sharaa in the interview with Bissane El-Cheikh in Damascus on Thursday
Ahmed Al-Sharaa in the interview with Bissane El-Cheikh in Damascus on Thursday

Ahmed Al-Sharaa, the head of the new Syrian administration, told Asharq Al-Awsat that “the Syrian revolution ended with the regime's fall, and we will not allow it to spread elsewhere.”

He stressed that Syria “will not be used to attack or destabilize any Arab or Gulf country.”

Speaking from the Presidential Palace in Damascus on Thursday, Al-Sharaa said the Syrian opposition’s actions had “set the Iranian project in the region back by 40 years.”

Asked why Syria has yet to send a direct message to the Gulf and major Arab nations, Al-Sharaa responded by saying that his country has much to say to its Arab neighbors.

“Syria had become a platform for Iran to control key Arab capitals, spread wars, and destabilize the Gulf with drugs like Captagon,” he said.

He added: “By removing Iranian militias and closing Syria to Iranian influence, we’ve served the region’s interests—achieving what diplomacy and external pressure could not, with minimal losses.”

Al-Sharaa also criticized efforts to restore ties with the former Syrian regime, including its return to the Arab League in exchange for concessions.

“We were confident this would fail because we knew the regime would not make any genuine concessions or approach these overtures in good faith,” he said.

He claimed that during a meeting with Jordanian officials, the former regime was asked why it insisted on exporting Captagon to Jordan.

“The response was that it would not stop unless sanctions were lifted," Al-Sharaa said, adding “this is not how the regime operates.”

He emphasized that Gulf strategic security has since improved. “Today, the Iranian project in the region has been pushed back 40 years, making the Gulf more secure and stable.”

When asked if he would give reassurances on Syria not becoming a refuge for certain figures, Al-Sharaa dismissed concerns about hosting figures who cause concern for some Arab nations, saying Syria will not become a haven for controversial individuals.

“We are now focused on state-building. The revolution ended with the regime's fall, and we will not allow it to spread elsewhere. Syria will not be a platform to threaten or unsettle any Arab or Gulf country,” he said.

Al-Sharaa stressed that Syria seeks to rebuild and strengthen ties with Arab nations. “Syria is tired of wars and being used for others’ agendas. We want to restore trust and rebuild our country as part of the Arab world.”

He praised the Gulf’s progress, saying: “We admire the development in Gulf countries, particularly Saudi Arabia’s bold plans and vision, and we aspire to achieve similar progress for Syria.”

He added: “There are many opportunities for cooperation, especially in economic and developmental areas, where we can align our goals.”

On Syria’s relationship with its neighbor Lebanon, Al-Sharaa acknowledged concerns raised by Lebanese counterparts about him reaching Damascus, fearing it could strengthen one faction over another in Lebanon.

“We are not seeking any form of dominance over Lebanon,” he said. “We want a relationship based on mutual respect and exchange, without interfering in Lebanon’s internal affairs. We have enough work to do in our own country.”

Al-Sharaa emphasized Syria’s intention to maintain balanced relations, saying he aims “to stand equally with all Lebanese groups, and what pleases them, pleases us.”

Al-Sharaa was asked about a national dialogue conference and a new constitution to guide Syria’s future, and the mechanism that he plans to ensure inclusivity for all Syrians in the process, especially among the base of supporters and fighters who do not necessarily agree with his current moderate speech.

Al-Sharaa acknowledged differing opinions but emphasized he does not want to impose his personal views on Syrians.

“I believe in letting legal experts shape the relationship between citizens, with the law as the guide,” he said.

“Syria is diverse, and it's natural for there to be different opinions. This difference is healthy.”

Al-Sharaa stressed that the recent victory is for all Syrians, not one group over another.

“Even those we thought were loyal to the old regime expressed joy, as they had not been able to openly express their feelings before,” he noted.

He expressed confidence that Syrians, regardless of their background, are aware enough to protect their country.

“My aim is to reach a broad agreement and build a country where the rule of law helps resolve our differences,” Al-Sharaa concluded.

On the complex issue of forced disappearances and individuals missing in prisons and mass graves, Al-Sharaa said the previous regime was a criminal gang, not a political system.

“We fought a brutal group that committed crimes like arrests, forced disappearances, killings, displacement, starvation, chemical attacks, and torture,” he said.

He stressed that while the regime is gone, the focus should be on justice, not revenge.

“We must not approach this with a desire for vengeance,” he said.

Al-Sharaa stated that those responsible for crimes like the Saydnaya prison and chemical attacks must be held accountable.

“Their names are known and they must be pursued,” he said. He also affirmed that families have the right to file complaints against unknown perpetrators.

Al-Sharaa outlined efforts to address the issue of missing persons. “We’ve broken the barriers, and specialized organizations are now helping with this task,” he said.

A new ministry will be set up to track the fate of the missing, both the deceased and the living.

“This will also assist families with documents like death certificates and inheritance,” he added.

He acknowledged the challenge ahead but emphasized the need to uncover the truth. “This is a big task, but we must find the truth,” Al-Sharaa said.

When asked about hosting the interview at the People’s Palace, the same location where Bashar al-Assad once sat, Al-Sharaa responded with a light-hearted laugh.

“To be honest, I don’t feel comfortable at all,” he said. “But this is a place that should be open to the people, a site where they can visit and where children can play in these courtyards.”