Harris: The Iraqi government must remain fully independent, and we will confront Iranian activities.
Harris: The Iraqi government must remain fully independent, and we will confront Iranian activities.
2026-02-12 02:41
Shafaq News – Baghdad
The acting US ambassador to Baghdad, Joshua Harris, stressed on Thursday that the Iraqi government must remain fully independent, while emphasizing the use of “the full range of tools at our disposal” to counter what he described as Iran’s destabilizing activities in Iraq.
The embassy said in a statement that Harris met with Abdul Hussein al-Moussawi, head of the National Approach Alliance, and stressed during the meeting the importance of any Iraqi government remaining independent and focused on the national interests of all Iraqis.
The US Embassy added in its statement that Harris discussed with al-Moussawi the importance of a strong partnership between the United States and Iraq that would bring tangible benefits to both sides, within the framework of promoting common interests represented in preserving Iraqi sovereignty, enhancing regional stability, and strengthening economic ties.
Harris affirmed his country’s readiness to use “the full range of tools at its disposal” to counter what he described as Iran’s destabilizing activities in Iraq, stressing that any Iraqi government must remain fully independent and focused on promoting national interests.
For its part, the media office of the National Approach Alliance stated that Al-Moussawi received the American chargé d’affaires, where they discussed developments at the national and regional levels, and ways to strengthen bilateral relations between Baghdad and Washington based on the principle of mutual sovereign respect and common interests.
The office of the Al-Nahj Alliance added that the meeting addressed consultations among political forces to resolve national entitlements through constitutional channels, and to commit to the results of the electoral process, in a way that contributes to consolidating democratic foundations and forming a government capable of facing challenges.
The importance of making the negotiations between the United States of America and the Islamic Republic of Iran a success was also emphasized, as it is a step that contributes to reducing escalation and adopting paths of dialogue and de-escalation.
It is worth noting that US President Donald Trump said, on January 27, 2026, via a post on the “Truth Social” platform, that the return of former Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki to the premiership is “something that should not be allowed,” considering that Iraq “slid into poverty and chaos” during his previous term.
shafaq.com
