Baghdad, Iraq- Iraq’s National Security Adviser, Qasim Al-Araji, stated that the United States played a key role in preventing Israel from attacking Iraq. He also mentioned that Iraq and Washington had agreed to end the coalition mission in September 2026 but had not been informed of any plans regarding a U.S. withdrawal from Syria.
In press statements on Friday, Al-Araji expressed concerns about the potential dangers of a U.S. withdrawal from Syria, stating that Iraq had not been notified of any such move regarding the U.S. forces in northeastern Syria.
He assured that there was no threat to Iraqi land from the Syrian side, noting that Iraq had received reassurances from Syria concerning border security. Al-Araji emphasized that Iraq’s relations with Syria are based on national interests, particularly in the fight against terrorism.
He further stated that the U.S. had played a significant role in preventing Israeli attacks on Iraq and confirmed that the agreement with Washington was to conclude the international coalition mission in Iraq by September 2026. Al-Araji highlighted a growing cooperation from all parties in efforts to ensure that weapons are controlled by the state in Iraq.
Al-Araji also mentioned that Iraq was working to expel the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) from the country and confirmed that security forces are continuing to search for the kidnapped Israeli researcher.
Regarding Iraq-Saudi relations, he described the ties as a model of cooperation with neighboring countries.
