Iraq Calls for Ceasefire to Prevent Escalation of Conflict, PM

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' al-Sudani said, "Iraq works to seek a ceasefire and prevent the expansion of the conflict in the Middle East."

In that regard, al-Sudani made the remarks during his meeting with visiting Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi and his accompanying delegation, according to a statement issued by al-Sudani's media office on Sunday.

Araghchi arrived in Baghdad earlier on Sunday for a short official visit to discuss regional security developments as part of his regional tour, according to the Xinhua news agency.

In the statement, al-Sudani emphasized that Iraq is working in cooperation with international partners and friends, such as European Union countries, to achieve a ceasefire.

Al-Sudani emphasized that, today, the concerns of the Iraqi government relating to regional issues are "putting an end to the Israeli aggression against the Gaza Strip and Lebanon and preventing Israel from expanding the ongoing conflict."
He explained that the more Iraq prevents the spread of the crisis, the more Iraq saves its national security and the stability of the whole region.

Arachechi said in his statements that his visit is meant to strengthen coordination and consultation on the regional situation, admitting that Iran supports Iraq's efforts not to let this conflict develop in the region.

He also received Iraqi President Abdul Latif Rashid, who said that the ongoing conflict in Gaza and Lebanon threatens regional and global security and stability as well as peace at all levels and underlined the urgency of the resolution of crises by diplomatic means.

Rashid also reaffirmed that Iraq does not allow its land to be used as a "launching pad" to attack neighboring countries.

On Sunday, Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein issued a warning during a joint press conference with Araghchi that the "Israeli aggression on Lebanon could lead to the outbreak of another war," but making clear that Iraq is determined to keep out of the regional conflict.

Hussein also insisted that striking Iran from Iraqi airspace was "unacceptable." He said that hostilities continue unabated; they can severely impact global navigation and trigger a worldwide energy crisis."

The Iranian diplomat Araghchi repeated worries, saying the situation was increasingly volatile, where risks of clashes are growing daily.

He further said that the Israeli military escalation is going to have a ripple effect across the region, therefore endangering other countries.

"Iran does not fear war, but it does not seek it either," said Araghchi in a speech.