Iraq to unveil full sovereignty plan on January 10, top Sunni cleric says

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Hammam al-Hamed, head of Iraq's Supreme Islamic Council, said the country will announce a project for the full implementation of national sovereignty on January 10. He made the announcement during a meeting in Baghdad with Turkey's Ambassador Anıl Bora İnan, where regional developments and bilateral cooperation were discussed. Al-Hamed said threats originating from the United States and Israel have kept the region on high alert, adding that no armed foreign forces or groups would be permitted on Iraqi soil. He described any regional alliance aimed at securing the region as a correct step toward preventing foreign intervention and imposed agendas. The Iraqi official expressed hope that Iraq-Turkey coordination serving the interests of both countries would be strengthened. The Turkish Embassy in Baghdad has not publicly commented on the meeting.