Iraq's Nasr Coalition rejects Iranian hegemony, calls for protecting sovereignty

BAGHDAD, Iraq — The Nasr Coalition, led by former Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi, said Iraq must safeguard its state sovereignty and rejected what it described as Iranian hegemony over the country. In a statement, the coalition said decisions on domestic and foreign policy must be taken independently, free from regional interference. The coalition warned that outside interventions would weaken Iraq's stability and disrupt the functioning of state institutions. It called on all political forces to respect national sovereignty and prioritize the country's interests. According to the statement, the government should conduct its foreign relations through a balanced and independent policy, adding that sovereignty must be preserved across political, economic and security domains. The coalition also said Baghdad should adopt an equidistant stance in its regional and international ties.