Al-Sudani flirts with Trump and woos Blair: A great friend of the Iraqis
Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani affirmed his support for US President Donald Trump’s Gaza peace agreement on Monday, while also highlighting Iraq’s rejection of normalization.
Al-Sudani said in an interview with the American network ” CNBC “, translated by Shafaq News Agency, that “the United States confirms, through communication and messages, the strength of relations with Baghdad, which supports the US administration’s efforts for peace in the region, but at the same time, with regard to the possibility of normalization with Israel, it is committed to the laws enacted by the Iraqi Parliament.”
Regarding US President Donald Trump’s plan for a ceasefire in Gaza, he affirmed, “Iraq has declared its support for the agreement reached by President Trump, and we believe he is serious about achieving peace, and that is everyone’s goal.”
He explained that “since the events of October 7, 2023, Iraq’s position has been clear: to stop the war and adopt dialogue as the basis for resolving these disputes and conflicts. However, the Palestinian issue is the core of the problem in the Middle East, and the time has come to find solutions through dialogue and respect for international institutions and treaties.”
Al-Sudani described the US initiative as “important,” expressing his hope that this agreement would be sustainable and the beginning of a radical solution to this problem, ensuring the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people.
Regarding the release of the Israeli hostages, Al-Sudani affirmed his support for “any peaceful solution that leads to an end to this war that has caused the deaths of innocent civilians, not only because of the war, but also because of hunger, thirst, and the lack of basic necessities of life.” He explained, “This scene is painful for everyone. Iraq is one of the countries that has suffered the most from wars, the killing of civilians, and kidnappings, so it is sensitive about all these problems.”
Regarding his view of the Trump administration and his vision for his Middle East diplomacy, he responded, “Iraq and the United States are bound by a strategic partnership. America contributed to changing the dictatorial regime and to our war against ISIS, where we fought and defeated this terrorist organization. We continue to work together to confront these terrorist groups.”
He continued, “We also have a comprehensive Strategic Framework Agreement with Washington, and it is the only agreement of its kind that Iraq has concluded with a country, the United States.”
Al-Sudani continued, “These principles will be taken into consideration by any US president or administration,” noting that “the Trump administration, through the communication that took place and the exchange of messages, emphasizes strengthening this relationship and paving the way for other elements of this agreement, so that the agreement is not limited to the security aspect. It is important that it is open to economic, technological, and cultural aspects, and this is what we are working on through communication channels between the two countries.”
Regarding Al-Sudani’s stance on Tony Blair, who is known for his role in the occupation of Iraq, and the proposal for a future role for him in Gaza, he said, “Blair is a person acceptable to the Iraqis, and a friend, who contributed to going to war at that time and toppling Saddam Hussein’s regime.” He stressed that “he is a great friend of the Iraqis and visits us often, and we hold meetings with him. We certainly wish him success in his mission, and we support him.”
When asked again whether Blair should be involved in a transitional plan for Gaza, he replied: “Everyone has a stake in supporting efforts to deal with the rapid management of this massive destruction in Gaza.”
Regarding Israel’s image in the region and relations with Arab countries, which is one of the main goals of the Trump administration’s foreign policy, and whether Iraq will normalize relations with them, he affirmed, “The government in Iraq is based on a parliamentary system, and it will be based on the laws enacted by Parliament. We have laws that define the relationship with the Israeli entity, in addition to our principled position that the entity has committed numerous crimes against the Palestinian people over the decades. This reality that we are witnessing is painful.”
He continued, “I believe that the Palestinians today deserve a better reality and a better future. The international community supports the Palestinian people, and we support this vision.”
Regarding reaching a peace agreement between Israel and Syria, Al-Sudani pointed out that “Syria is a strong security issue for Iraq, and it also affects the national security of all countries in the region.” He explained that “the diversity existing in Syria is similar to the diversity existing in Iraq, and that any interventions leading to division, which are taking place in Syria, will ultimately affect Iraq and the countries of the region.”
He added, “We believe that Israeli interventions in Syria are incorrect and unacceptable, violate international laws and treaties, and spread instability in a country that everyone wants to overcome this difficult phase.”
The Iraqi Prime Minister concluded by saying, “There is a clear presence of ISIS militants, and they have seized large quantities of weapons from the former Syrian army. This is why they pose a real threat to all countries in the region.” He explained that “weakening the administration in Damascus will allow extremists to take control and threaten the security and stability of this sensitive region.”
Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani departed for Egypt on Monday morning to participate in the Sharm el-Sheikh Peace Summit, convened by the United States and Egypt. The summit will discuss efforts to end the war in Gaza, launch a political process, and enhance the delivery of humanitarian aid. More than 20 world and regional leaders will be in attendance, including the UN Secretary-General and several leaders of major powers.
The Prime Minister’s advisor for foreign affairs, Farhad Alaa Al-Din, confirmed to Shafaq News Agency that Iraq is participating in the Sharm el-Sheikh summit after receiving an official invitation from the United States and Egypt, as it chairs the current session of the Arab Summit and plays an active role in the fateful issues of the Arab nation.
Shiite National Movement leader Muqtada al-Sadr described Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani’s participation in the Sharm el-Sheikh summit as a “disgrace,” arguing that it could pave the way for normalization or the signing of the so-called two-state solution. He asserted his innocence of this position.
Shafaq.com