Iraq's National Security Council Condemns Air Attack, Directs Foreign Ministry on Sovereignty

Iraq's National Security Council, on Wednesday, strongly condemned an attack by US and Saudi air forces early today. It directed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to promptly document this violation and affirm Iraq's legitimate rights. Spokesperson for the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Sabah Al-Noaman, stated the Council held an emergency meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Ali Falih Al-Zaidi, to discuss security developments and the attack which led to civilian casualties. The Council clarified this aggression occurred while the Iraqi government engaged in intensive talks with relevant parties to verify claims and address issues raised by Saudi and US sides regarding targeting Saudi territories. The Council also decided to implement a comprehensive security plan to control the ground, aiming to counter any sovereignty violation and prevent its territory from threatening neighbors. It instructed the Foreign Ministry to act immediately under international law and the UN Charter to document the aggression and assert Iraq's rights. It emphasized the government's firm stance rejecting all hostile acts, regardless of perpetrators or justifications. The Council affirmed that confronting such aggressions is the exclusive responsibility of the Iraqi government and its constitutional institutions. The Council reiterated the government's commitment to consolidating regional stability and actively contributing to international peace and security through a foreign policy based on dialogue, cooperation, respect for international law, and good neighborliness. It stressed employing diplomacy to resolve conflicts, within a strategic approach to keep Iraq from regional conflicts, thus safeguarding national interests and preserving its people's security and sovereignty. Driven by national responsibilities, the government, since its early days, has made intensive efforts to reinforce the rule of law and frame security operations within official state institutions. It simultaneously reaffirms its rejection of these unjustified unilateral actions, which not only violate national sovereignty but also obstruct serious governmental endeavors to establish security and stability nationally and regionally. The Council called on all concerned parties to avoid paths that could exacerbate regional instability and undermine the government's adopted law enforcement plan. Furthermore, it affirmed its resolve to implement the security agreement for the withdrawal of international coalition forces by the end of September 2025, and to complete necessary procedures for the plan to restrict weapons to state control. Finally, the Council extended its deepest condolences to the families of the martyrs, wishing a speedy recovery for the injured, and asserting that the lives of Iraqis are held with utmost importance and responsibility by the state.