Iraqi PM orders measures to prevent threats launched from Iraq toward neighbors

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Prime Minister and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces Ali Falih al-Zeydi ordered on Saturday evening that any violations or threats originating from Iraqi territory and directed at neighboring countries be prevented, according to a statement from the Prime Minister's Office. During an extraordinary session he chaired, al-Zeydi called for the creation of deterrent mechanisms to prevent a recurrence of such incidents and for the establishment of a joint security commission to address related challenges. Al-Zeydi also directed security agencies to enforce the law, strengthen stability, safeguard sovereignty and maintain good-neighborly relations. Participants stressed that the armed forces are prepared to block any attempts targeting neighboring states from the regional environment and that Iraqi territory will not be used as a base or transit route for attacks against brotherly and friendly countries. Jordan and Syria have notified the Iraqi government of militia activity detected near their borders, according to Saudi Arabia-based Al Arabiya, which cited official sources in both countries and warned that any attack launched from their territory would not go unanswered. Separately, the New York Times reported that Iran's Revolutionary Guards have recently met with leaders of Iraqi armed factions, Hezbollah and the Houthis to discuss expanding their operational footprint in the event of a broader regional conflict. The U.S. State Department on Saturday urged American citizens in the Middle East to exercise caution over possible airspace closures and travel disruptions. Reports indicated U.S. President Donald Trump was weighing whether to order a strike on Iranian energy facilities.