Latest news with #al-Sudani
Shafaq News
09-07-2025
- Politics
- Shafaq News
Iraqi PM reaffirms commitment to disarmament and neutrality
Shafaq News – Najaf Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani reaffirmed his government's commitment to disarming armed factions and consolidating state authority. Speaking to tribal figures and residents in Najaf Province on Wednesday, al-Sudani stressed that the state alone must determine matters of peace, war, and foreign policy. 'Restricting arms to the state is a cornerstone of state-building,' he said, noting that Iraq is following a clear and steady plan to achieve this goal. Commenting on regional developments, the prime minister expressed concern over what he described as escalating violence in the region, 'sparked by the Zionist entity's aggression against the Islamic nation.' He referenced Israeli military actions in Gaza, Lebanon, and Yemen, as well as recent attacks on Iran. 'We remain committed to safeguarding Iraq's national interests and will not allow our country to be dragged into conflict zones.'
Shafaq News
08-07-2025
- Business
- Shafaq News
US backs Iraq ties as radar deal nears
Shafaq News – Baghdad/Washington Washington and Baghdad maintain a 'strong partnership based on shared interests,' despite recent remarks by Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani warning that unresolved disagreements could undermine bilateral relations, the US State Department (DoS) affirmed on Tuesday. Responding to Shafaq News inquiries, a DoS spokesperson said that Iraq 'plays an important role in ensuring regional stability,' and that the US continues to work with Iraq 'on counterterrorism, economic growth, and other joint concerns,' while stressing respect for Iraqi sovereignty and mutual priorities. The spokesperson also addressed reports that Iraq is expediting a major radar procurement deal with South Korea, saying, 'As a sovereign country, Iraq is responsible for its security and has chosen to partner with the US on strengthening several aspects of its security.' Earlier this week, Prime Minister al-Sudani told the BBC that ongoing disagreements with Washington could escalate to a point that "undermines the relationship." He also revealed that Iraq is moving quickly to finalize a defense agreement with South Korea to acquire advanced radar systems. According to sources familiar with the deal, Iraq is in the final stages of signing a contract worth approximately $2.8B for the purchase of 'Cheongung-II' (M-SAM II) medium-range air defense batteries, which include launchers, radars, and fire control systems. The objective is to achieve comprehensive coverage of Iraqi airspace. Iraq's current air defense capability remains limited following years of degradation since 2003. It primarily relies on long-range AN/TPS-77 radar systems and a small number of short-range platforms, which defense experts say are inadequate for full national coverage and leave operational gaps. Baghdad's move to diversify its defense suppliers comes amid heightened tensions in the region following a surge in hostilities between Iran and Israel, prompting Iraqi authorities to explore advanced systems to bolster both early warning and interception capabilities.
Shafaq News
05-07-2025
- Politics
- Shafaq News
Iraq bolsters air defense: Korean missiles and French radars expected soon
Shafaq News – Baghdad Iraq's Ministry of Defense confirmed, on Saturday, that its air defense modernization program is moving forward without delays. Tahseen Al-Khafaji, the Ministry's Director of Media and Moral Guidance, told Shafaq News that Iraq will soon receive an advanced Korean air defense system along with modern radar technology secured through a French partnership. 'Our upgrades for air defense, Army Aviation, and Air Force units are on schedule, with strong backing from the Commander-in-Chief [Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani],' Al-Khafaji noted. In September 2024, Iraq signed an agreement with South Korea's LIG Nex1 to acquire the Cheongung-II medium-range system, which includes launchers, multifunction radar, and command infrastructure, making Iraq the third country in the Middle East to obtain the platform after the UAE and Saudi Arabia. Earlier this week, US State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce told our agency that Washington is reviewing recent statements by al-Sudani and reports of Baghdad's plans to expedite a radar system deal with South Korea. Her comments followed recent developments in Baghdad's defense policy, with Iraqi lawmakers confirming that negotiations are underway with several countries— including the United States, France, and South Korea— to acquire advanced air defense and radar systems. In a recent interview with the BBC, al-Sudani reiterated Iraq's commitment to balanced foreign relations, emphasizing that both Iran and the United States recognize the importance of Iraq's stability. However, he acknowledged persistent disagreements with Washington, warning that tensions 'could reach the point of undermining the relationship.'
Shafaq News
04-07-2025
- Politics
- Shafaq News
PM al-Sudani navigates Syria relations despite domestic tensions
Shafaq News – Baghdad Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammad Shia al-Sudani is pursuing a cautious diplomatic strategy following the ouster of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad last winter, engaging with Syria's transitional leader, Ahmad al-Sharaa, despite tensions within Iraq's ruling Shiite Coordination Framework. According to the British website Amwaj, several Iran-backed Shiite factions in Baghdad have voiced concerns about the growing influence of Sunni Islamist parties under al-Sharaa. Still, al-Sudani is pressing ahead, aligning with Gulf and Turkish initiatives to foster regional reconciliation. Analysts interpret al-Sudani's outreach as an attempt to elevate Iraq's diplomatic profile by balancing Gulf, Iranian, and Turkish interests. Meanwhile, Tehran appears willing to maintain a pragmatic relationship with al-Sharaa to preserve its regional foothold, indirectly giving al-Sudani more flexibility at home and abroad in a shifting and unpredictable landscape.
Shafaq News
02-07-2025
- Politics
- Shafaq News
Al-Sudani: Iraq took diplomatic role in war, signed air defense deals
On Tuesday, Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani underscored Baghdad's pivotal diplomatic engagement during the recent regional conflict, stating that Iraq stood ready to manage its repercussions. In a BBC English interview, al-Sudani revealed that Iraq has already secured contracts to install a comprehensive air defence system and is negotiating further agreements to reinforce its airspace security. 'We submitted an official complaint to the UN Security Council and launched a diplomatic campaign to support our position,' he said, emphasising that Iraq pursued 'a calm and balanced diplomatic approach throughout the recent regional tensions, safeguarding its sovereignty and preserving the sole authority of state institutions over decisions related to war and peace.' Warning of potential fallout, the Prime Minister cautioned that 'a widening of the conflict would have undermined Iraq's security and stability and disrupted energy supplies and oil exports to neighbouring countries.' Al-Sudani commended national unity and leadership intervention, noting that 'the Supreme Religious Authority in Al Najaf Ashraf issued a statement warning of the dangers of continuing the war,' and added that with the support of national political forces, 'the government succeeded in keeping Iraq out of the conflict.' Reaffirming Baghdad's balanced foreign relations, he stated that Iraq maintains strong ties with both Iran and the United States, noting, 'Both countries recognise the importance of Iraq's stability and the necessity of not involving it in their tensions.' He also cautioned that 'efforts to collapse the Iranian government would have grave consequences for the entire region.' He expressed concern over Israeli politics and warned that Benjamin Netanyahu's return to power 'poses a source of concern for the region due to ongoing efforts to create tensions and trigger conflicts.' Regarding the future of foreign forces in Iraq, al-Sudani confirmed that the International Coalition's mission will end in September 2026 and said Iraq is 'in discussions to transition to bilateral security arrangements.' On domestic politics, al‑Sudani affirmed his government's determination to hold elections on time, stating, 'We are committed to holding them as scheduled and making all necessary preparations.' He described voter participation as 'a national responsibility.'
