Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi and US President Donald Trump discussed regional developments during a phone call on Thursday, with Baghdad stressing that its territory must not be used to launch attacks against neighboring states.
According to a statement from the Prime Minister's office, al-Zaidi reiterated Iraq’s firm stance calling for the strict respect of state sovereignty. He further stressed that Iraqi territory must not serve as a launchpad for aggression against neighboring countries.
The PM underscored the vital importance of ongoing consultations between Baghdad and Washington on issues of mutual interest. He said that adopting peaceful solutions and engaging in constructive dialogue are necessary measures to maintain regional security.
Both leaders affirmed the importance of working together to confront current challenges. The statement noted that these efforts aim to support regional stability by prioritizing diplomacy and dialogue.
Military deployment
Also on Thursday, Iraq's Defense Ministry announced that it had reinforced its military deployment along a defensive line in the country's west, as the prime minister stressed the need to expand domestic arms production.
Defense Ministry spokesman Major General Yahya Rasool Abdullah said in a statement that troops from the Jazira and West Nineveh Operations Commands had begun strengthening their deployment along the Rawa-Hatra defensive line to maintain security and stability in the Jazira region north of the Euphrates River and toward the provinces of Nineveh and Salahuddin.
The deployment aims to secure desert areas, pursue remaining militant elements and prevent them from using the desert as a haven, he said.
It also seeks to provide a shorter route for civilian travel and commercial transport, helping support investment and agricultural activities.
Rasool said army units would continue securing desert areas within their respective operational sectors to maintain security and stability across the country.
Meanwhile, PM and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces Ali al-Zaidi visited the Defense Industries Commission on Thursday to inspect military equipment that the authority said it had successfully manufactured or developed.
The equipment included various types of ammunition, light, medium and heavy weapons, drone systems, and surveillance and monitoring devices.
According to a statement from his media office, al-Zaidi underlined his support for developing Iraq's domestic defense industry and directed officials to involve the private sector and expand partnerships with specialized companies.
He stressed that Iraq had the capacity to manufacture the weapons and equipment it needs using domestic expertise and labor.
Al-Zaidi described the development of an advanced defense industry as a cornerstone of national sovereignty that would strengthen Iraq's ability to protect its security and interests.
He also underscored the importance of investing in research and development and keeping pace with rapid technological advances in military manufacturing.
Al-Zaidi praised the authority's progress and its capabilities and expertise, which he said positioned it to become an advanced industrial base.
He directed officials to provide the resources and support needed to expand its production and technological capabilities, with the aim of meeting the armed forces' requirements for weapons and military equipment while reducing reliance on foreign supplies.
The Defense Industries Commission, which reports to the commander-in-chief of the armed forces, was recently established to rebuild Iraq's defense industrial base and meet the needs of the armed forces and security agencies.
Iraq's military manufacturing industry, however, dates back to the 1970s and expanded significantly during the 1980s war with Iran.
Much of its arsenal and industrial infrastructure was subsequently devastated during the 1991 Gulf War and by international sanctions imposed throughout the 1990s.
