Sudani calls for a “non-subservient” partnership with America and asserts: The real challenge lies in controlling weapons.
Sudani calls for a “non-subservient” partnership with America and asserts: The real challenge lies in controlling weapons.
2026-04-17
Shafaq News – Translation
Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani affirmed that Iraq is moving towards a new phase of strategic partnership with the United States, stressing the need to move the relationship from crisis management to long-term cooperation based on common interests.
In an article published by Newsweek and translated by Shafaq News Agency, Al-Sudani said, “Iraq does not seek subservience, but rather a partnership based on mutual respect and common interests,” calling on Washington to “strengthen economic and security cooperation during the next phase.”
He added that “Iraq is no longer an arena of crises as it was in the past, but has become a strategic partner that deserves greater attention,” noting that its geographical location qualifies it to be an important center for trade and energy in the region.
On the domestic front, Al-Sudani stressed that the government’s primary goal is “to build a strong state that monopolizes the decision of war and peace and strengthens its sovereignty,” adding: “No state can accept multiple security decisions outside the authority of the state.”
He explained that the real challenge lies in restricting weapons to the state, while at the same time rejecting “turning temporary security arrangements into permanent alternatives to state institutions.”
The caretaker prime minister noted that his government “faced significant regional and international pressures, but succeeded in keeping Iraq out of the circle of conflict, amid escalating tensions in the region,” as he put it.
Al-Sudani concluded by saying that “Iraq is capable of playing a pivotal role as a link between Washington, Iran and the countries of the region, which would contribute to calming the situation and enhancing regional stability.”
shafaq.com
