Iraq Warns of Escalating Conflict Amid Tensions Between Iran and the US

 

Iraqi Foreign Minister, Dr. Fuad Hussein, has issued a stark warning regarding the escalating tensions between Iranian-backed militias and US forces operating within Iraq. In an interview with the BBC, Dr. Hussein expressed concerns that Iraq could be drawn into a wider conflict due to ongoing tit-for-tat attacks on Iraqi soil. He emphasized the urgent need for both Iran and the United States to cease their attacks, emphasizing that Iraq has already paid a significant price for their actions.

The recent surge in tensions has seen a series of violent incidents unfold, including US airstrikes targeting Iranian-backed armed groups and a deadly missile attack that claimed the life of a militia commander in Baghdad. These actions have drawn condemnation from the Iraqi government, which has labeled them as clear violations of international law and a threat to civilian lives. Meanwhile, the US military has vowed to continue taking necessary measures to safeguard its personnel in the region.

 As the conflict between Iran and the US plays out on Iraqi soil, Iraq finds itself caught in the crossfire and suffering the consequences. Dr. Hussein has called for a resumption of talks regarding the withdrawal of 2,500 US troops stationed in Iraq since 2014. Despite their initial role in combating the resurgence of the so-called Islamic State, there is growing sentiment within Iraq that these troops have overstayed their welcome, further complicating the situation in the region.