Iraqi Prime Minister Muhammed Shia al-Sudani emphasized that preventing the escalation of tensions in the Middle East depends on stopping Israel’s military actions in the Gaza Strip and preventing their expansion into Lebanon.
Sudani conveyed these concerns during a phone call with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Sunday, where they discussed the latest developments in the region and explored ways to avoid further conflict, according to a statement from the prime minister’s office.
The statement highlighted Sudani’s call for deterring Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu from launching any attacks on neighboring countries and addressing what he described as Israel’s repeated violations of international law and sovereignty.
The US Department of State also reported that Blinken underscored the importance of all parties taking steps to de-escalate tensions, avoid further conflict, and promote stability in the region.
“The secretary reaffirmed our commitment to the US-Iraq 360-degree relationship, aimed at building economic opportunities and prosperity for all Iraqis,” the statement added.
Tensions in the region have been rising after the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran last Wednesday, and Hezbollah military commander Fuad Shukr in Beirut on Tuesday, both carried out by Israel.
Haniyeh had been in Tehran to attend the swearing-in ceremony of Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian, alongside other leaders of the Axis of Resistance. He was killed along with his bodyguard, Wasim Abu Shaaban, in an Israeli operation.
Shukr, who played a crucial role in organizing resistance against Israeli occupation, was also killed in an Israeli attack on a residential apartment in Dahieh, which claimed the lives of two children and two women.
