Iraq’s al-Zaidi talks to Trump as Baghdad seeks to stay out of war on Iran
Call comes as Iraq's top diplomat urges armed groups not to join any Iranian retaliation to US attacks.
Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi has told the United States Baghdad will not let its territory be used to attack neighbouring countries, as his foreign minister warned that a new war on Iran would be a “disaster” for Iraq.
Al-Zaidi spoke to US President Donald Trump over the phone on Thursday, according to his office, as diplomatic efforts intensify to avert renewed US strikes on Iran.
The two men “discussed the evolving situation in the region, security developments, and prospects for the next phase,” al-Zaidi’s office said.
Since taking office in May, al-Zaidi has prioritised the disarmament of all militias in the country, including several powerful pro-Iran groups that have launched attacks in support of Iran across the region during the war.