Iraqi PM Condemns Israeli Strikes on Lebanon During President Aoun’s Visit
Iraq, whose government is dominated by pro-Iranian factions, has historically close ties with Lebanon and has provided humanitarian and economic support to the country, especially during Lebanon’s ongoing economic crisis.
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) — Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani on Sunday condemned Israel's "repeated attacks" on Lebanon as he welcomed Lebanese President Joseph Aoun to Baghdad for his first official visit since taking office, according to AFP.
Speaking at a joint press conference with Aoun, Sudani denounced what he called “repeated Israeli attacks against Lebanon’s sovereignty,” describing them as violations of international law. His remarks followed reports of a third deadly Israeli raid on southern Lebanon in just four days, Lebanese authorities said.
Sudani urged full implementation of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701, which ended the 2006 war between Israel and Hezbollah and now serves as the framework for the 2024 ceasefire. Under the truce terms, Hezbollah was to withdraw its fighters north of the Litani River and dismantle its southern military posts, while Israel was expected to pull back all its forces from Lebanese territory. However, Israel has maintained five positions it considers “strategic” near the border.
Beyond regional security, the two leaders also discussed strengthening bilateral cooperation in energy, telecommunications, and commerce. Iraq, whose government is dominated by pro-Iranian factions, has historically close ties with Lebanon and has provided humanitarian and economic support to the country, especially during Lebanon’s ongoing economic crisis.
Thousands of Lebanese—primarily Shiite Muslims—displaced by the 2024 war have found refuge in Iraq. Since 2021, Iraq has been supplying fuel to Lebanon’s power plants, and Beirut recently announced it expects a shipment of 320,000 tons of wheat from Iraq.
President Aoun, who took office in January, expressed gratitude during the visit for Iraq’s continued support. He also met separately with Iraqi President Abdel Latif Rashid during his trip.