Iraq Calls for Protecting Maritime Corridors in Arabian Gulf

Members of Iraqi factions raise the photo of Nasrallah in Baghdad. (AFP)
Members of Iraqi factions raise the photo of Nasrallah in Baghdad. (AFP)
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Iraq Calls for Protecting Maritime Corridors in Arabian Gulf

Members of Iraqi factions raise the photo of Nasrallah in Baghdad. (AFP)
Members of Iraqi factions raise the photo of Nasrallah in Baghdad. (AFP)

Iraq has emphasized the protection of maritime routes for oil transport through the Arabian Gulf amid increasing warnings of a broader conflict between Israel and Iran. Iraqi political leaders are concerned that Israeli strikes may target vital infrastructure within the country, alongside speculation that Israel might hit the Abadan oil refinery in Iran, near Basra, and the Bushehr nuclear reactor.

Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein continues his meetings in Washington with American officials and diplomats, focusing on the escalating tension in the Middle East. Asharq Al-Awsat learned from reliable sources that Iraq has launched “discussions with Western countries to discuss ways to achieve a ceasefire in Gaza and Lebanon."

According to a press statement, Hussein said he discussed with US officials "the need to protect maritime routes to ensure the export of Iraqi and Gulf oil."

On Thursday, Hussein met with Barbara Leaf, US Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs, Under Secretary of State for Management Ambassador John Bass, and Energy Ambassador Geoffrey Pyatt.

The Iraqi minister emphasized that Iraq and the US agreed on the need for de-escalation and for all parties to avoid expanding the conflict in the Middle East. Iraq renewed its call for a "ceasefire in the region and resolving the crises through diplomatic means,” and emphasized the importance of efforts to assist Lebanese refugees and provide support to end the humanitarian crisis.

According to a statement from Iraq’s Foreign Ministry, the United States expressed its support for the Iraqi government's efforts to contain crises.

Meanwhile, Iraqi sources indicated that the Shiite Coordination Framework discussed a "security report on dozens of targets for potential strikes and assassinations by Israel in Iraq."

An Iraqi official, who preferred not to be named, stated that reports have been submitted to government bodies and party leaders noting that Iran's retaliation may “accelerate Israeli targeting of sites and facilities in Iraq.”

On the other hand, the local government in Basra downplayed concerns about a "threat to the Bushehr reactor, which is near the province." Aqeel Al-Freiji, the head of Basra’s Security Committee, said in a statement: "Some social media platforms circulated warning messages containing inaccurate information, specifically addressed to Basra residents, about a potential attack on Iran's Bushehr nuclear reactor."

Al-Freiji added that the purpose of these messages is to “spread chaos and panic among citizens.”

Meanwhile, Iraqi media outlets reported that Iran-affiliated armed factions in Iraq have left the timing of their participation in Lebanon's war to Hezbollah. The media also indicated that "the factions are ready for combat and have prepared surprises for the front against Israel."

A source close to these factions added: "The factions have taken a series of strategic decisions in recent days to support Lebanon's front, and they will be disclosed later. However, we neither confirm nor deny the presence of Iraqi fighters in southern Lebanon."

Two Iraqi government officials confirmed that Baghdad's stance remains steadfast in supporting the Lebanese people and reducing escalation in the region. Farhad Alaaldine, international affairs advisor to Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani, told Asharq Al-Awsat that the Iraqi government continues its diplomatic efforts, in cooperation with the international community, to enhance stability and peace in the region, with a focus on protecting the rights and security of Arab peoples.

Alaaldine added that the Iraqi government “strongly rejects any violation of Lebanon’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and is fully prepared to offer necessary humanitarian aid to support Lebanon during these difficult times.”

Fadi Al-Shammari, political advisor to the Iraqi prime minister, told Asharq Al-Awsat that the government continues its intensive efforts at both regional and international levels to reduce tensions and prevent the region from being dragged into a full-scale war.



Lebanese President Faces Domestic, Foreign Challenges

Newly-elected Lebanese President Joseph Aoun poses for a picture with his family at the presidential palace in Baabda, Lebanon, January 9, 2025. Dalati Nohra/Handout via REUTERS
Newly-elected Lebanese President Joseph Aoun poses for a picture with his family at the presidential palace in Baabda, Lebanon, January 9, 2025. Dalati Nohra/Handout via REUTERS
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Lebanese President Faces Domestic, Foreign Challenges

Newly-elected Lebanese President Joseph Aoun poses for a picture with his family at the presidential palace in Baabda, Lebanon, January 9, 2025. Dalati Nohra/Handout via REUTERS
Newly-elected Lebanese President Joseph Aoun poses for a picture with his family at the presidential palace in Baabda, Lebanon, January 9, 2025. Dalati Nohra/Handout via REUTERS

The election of a new president in Lebanon does not mean the country has come out of the economic and political crises which have gutted it for years. Yet Thursday’s vote marks the beginning of a new phase that carries many challenges for the president and the upcoming government.

It is Joseph Aoun’s responsibility now to appoint a prime minister following binding parliamentary consultations and then form the Cabinet together with the PM.

According to observers, Aoun’s term should carry a roadmap to salvage the country, and a clear plan to address crises and domestic and foreign challenges.

However, there is no magic wand to solve Lebanon’s entire crises.

Instead, Aoun needs a unified working team that should draft a clear ministerial statement that reflects the President’s inaugural speech and his pledge of a “new era” for Lebanon.

“The president's speech constitutes a detailed program for governance. However, his program needs a cabinet capable of implementing it,” former Minister Ibrahim Najjar told Asharq Al-Awsat.

Najjar described the new President as an honest, clean and courageous Lebanese man.

“His election must be followed by the formation of a bold cabinet with new faces, capable of working and making achievements,” he said.

“The Lebanese people expect President Aoun to change the quota-based mentality of politicians. They hope his term will help remove old political figures, who are rooted in the Lebanese quagmire,” the former minister noted.

Former MP Fares Souaid told Asharq Al-Awsat that Aoun’s first task is to implement the Constitution and the National Accord document.

“In the early 1990s, the Constitution was no longer being implemented due to the Syrian occupation of Lebanon. In 2005, the Constitution was again ignored because of Iranian arms.”

Therefore, Soueid said, the Lebanese eagerly expect this new era to constitute a real opportunity for the implementation of both documents.

For years, Lebanon has failed to properly implement its Constitution and UN resolutions, mainly because some political parties had considered their implementation as “a target against their so-called resistance.”

“With the election of President Joseph Aoun, Lebanon has opened a blank page that could meet the aspirations of the Lebanese people, and write a new chapter in the country’s history,” Najjar said.

According to Soueid, Aoun has a task to return Lebanon to its Arab identity. “This is slowly beginning to show through the decline of Iranian influence in the region,” he said.

Also, Soueid said, the new President should mend Lebanon’s relations with the international community by implementing all UN resolutions.

Addressing Parliament and Lebanese people with an acceptance speech, Aoun on Thursday vowed that the Lebanese authorities will have the monopoly on arms and will be committed to a strong state that will extend its sovereignty over the entire territory.

“This is in line with UN resolutions, which if implemented, will bring Lebanon back to the Arab and international scene,” Soueid said.