Iraq’s National Security Advisor, Qassem al-Araji, said that Iraq seeks to maintain balanced relations with the United States and Iran, stressing that Baghdad does not want to be a party to any confrontation between the two sides, and that its policy is based on the principle of “Iraq first.”
In an exclusive interview with Alhurra conducted by our correspondent in Baghdad, Mustafa Saadoun, al-Araji said that Iraq’s geographic location is “very important and highly sensitive,” and that Baghdad’s relations with the Islamic Republic of Iran are “good and positive,” as are its relations with the United States. He added that Iran is a “neighboring country” with which Iraq shares a 1,450-kilometer border, while the United States is a “strategic partner” that stood with Iraq in confronting ISIS through the international coalition.
Al-Araji explained that “it is in Iraq’s interest to have balanced relations with all parties,” noting that Baghdad invests its relations with both sides in order to “bring viewpoints closer” and “reduce the intensity of the conflict.” He said the Iraqi government has repeatedly declared that “the Iraqi arena is not a battlefield, but rather a space for communication.”
In response to a question about circulating American messages suggesting that Iraq must either be a partner of the United States or an adversary, al-Araji said: “We will not be enemies of America, nor will we align with one side against another,” adding that Iraq proceeds from “our purely Iraqi interests, according to the principle of Iraq first,” and then from its shared interests with the United States, Iran, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and the rest of the countries in the region and the world.
Al-Araji said this approach enjoys broad domestic support, adding that “the entire political spectrum” supports not antagonizing the United States, Iran, or any other party. He affirmed that Baghdad calls for “dialogue and diplomacy,” and that the Iraqi government conveys this position to American officials and to countries in the region and the world in its official meetings.
At the same time, al-Araji pointed out that some internal political statements may create “ambiguity” for external parties, explaining that statements issued by some members of parliament or political entities do not necessarily represent the government’s position. He said the official stance is what is issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Iraqi government, while other statements “represent them personally and do not represent the Iraqi government’s position.”
Regarding Washington’s interest in Iraq, al-Araji said the United States remains interested in the Iraqi file because “Iraq is an important country” and its geographic location is “very important.” He added: “It is not in its interest to be hostile to Iraq, and it is not in Iraq’s interest to be hostile to America.”
Al-Araji confirmed that American officials have not asked Baghdad to sever its relations with Tehran, nor have the Iranians asked it to cut ties with Washington. He said: “We proceed from our national interests and the importance of this country in building relations with everyone.”
The Iraqi National Security Advisor stressed that Baghdad is not embarrassed to declare its relationship with Tehran, saying that Iraq’s interests require “balanced, clear, and transparent” relations with the Islamic Republic, as a neighboring state that has “positions.” At the same time, he said Iraq “does not hesitate or feel ashamed” to declare “very positive and balanced” relations with the United States, because they serve Iraq’s interests.
Al-Araji referred to the Strategic Framework Agreement between Iraq and the United States, saying that everyone is required to activate it, as it is not limited to the security aspect but also includes political, economic, health, educational, environmental, and climate aspects. He added that the agreement “is beneficial to us,” and that it has been approved by the Iraqi Council of Representatives and adopted by the American side.
On factors that could threaten the relationship with Washington, al-Araji said the danger comes from “some outlaws” and certain parties that “lack deep and long-term strategic vision.” However, he emphasized that there is an “Iraqi consensus” on restricting weapons to the hands of the state, and that there should be no armed groups outside the command of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces.
He said that weapons must operate “according to orders, instructions, and regulations,” not according to what “so-and-so desires,” stressing the necessity for everyone to be integrated within the security and military institutions.
Al-Araji denied the existence of indicators of a decline or weakening in relations with the United States, despite what he described as “some displeasure” following recent attacks targeting Baghdad Airport and the U.S. diplomatic compound. He said that meetings and cooperation are still ongoing, and that communication continues between the two sides, including contact between U.S. President Donald Trump and the U.S. Secretary of Defense with the Iraqi Prime Minister-designate.
Regarding the return of embassies and missions that left Iraq, al-Araji said this is linked to the end of the war or the reaching of an agreement between the United States and Iran. He added that “once the war ends” or an agreement is signed between Washington and Tehran, “things will calm down,” and embassies will return, including the NATO mission.
The article is a translation of the original Arabic.
Mustafa Saadoon
Mustafa Saadoon is an Iraqi journalist who has worked for several international and Arab media organizations. He covers politics and human rights.
