Government emphasizes diplomatic response to spiraling tensions
The Sudani government’s public reaction to the turbulent events of the last two days indicates a preference for de-escalation rather than confrontation. The government is expected to continue pressuring resistance factions to limit retaliatory strikes, but much will depend on Iran’s intended response to the Haniyeh assassination.
Tuesday night’s US strike on Jurf al-Sakhar, which resulted in the deaths of four Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) personnel, was strongly condemned by Iraqi officials. Major General Yehia Rasool, the military spokesperson for PM Sudani, described the US action as a "heinous crime and blatant aggression." Rasool warned that such actions could "significantly undermine all efforts, mechanisms, and frameworks of joint security work to combat ISIS in Iraq and Syria." However, the statement did not indicate any immediate plans for escalation, only that Iraq would take “appropriate legal and diplomatic measures to protect its rights.”
Meanwhile, Iraqi government spokesperson Basim Al-Awadi focused on international efforts to de-escalate regional tensions. Al-Awadi condemned the assassination of Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran and called for an urgent UN Security Council meeting to address the situation.
Iraq’s main resistance factions have vowed retaliation for the killings, with media reports suggesting that Iran has summoned its key leaders to Tehran for consultations.
Earlier on Wednesday, Ali Al-Fatlawi, a leader in the Ansar Allah Al-Awfiyaa Movement, revealed that the Coordination Committee of the Resistance had convened an emergency meeting to address the American bombing of the PMF in Jurf Al-Sakhar and discuss possible responses.