Iraq to stay neutral and curb Gulf threats if US-Iran war resumes, adviser says

Qasim Al Abudi, Iraq's national security adviser, told The National on the sidelines of the IISS Manama Dialogue in Bahrain that there is a broad national consensus in Iraq to remain detached and neutral in the event of a resumed US-Iran conflict. Addressing concerns regarding Iran-aligned factions launching attacks from Iraqi soil, Al Abudi stated that the government is responsible for ensuring such sympathies do not translate into action. He noted that Iraq is making significant progress in bringing weapons held by armed factions under state control. Furthermore, Al Abudi highlighted Baghdad's efforts to resolve outstanding maritime and historical disputes with Kuwait and described the remaining ISIS threat as limited and under control, emphasizing the need to address the ideological roots of terrorism.

