Iraq and US agree to keep Baghdad out of regional war

Iraq and the United States have reaffirmed their commitment to keeping the country out of the widening regional conflict, announcing the formation of a Supreme Joint Coordination Committee as part of their strategic partnership. The Iraqi Security Media Cell announced Friday that both sides agreed during their first meeting to intensify cooperation to prevent attacks and ensure Iraqi territory is not used as a staging ground for aggression against Iraqi forces, strategic facilities, US personnel, diplomatic missions, or coalition assets.

Sovereignty and stability take center stage

Washington and Baghdad “affirmed their commitment to keeping Iraq out of the ongoing military conflict in the region, fully respecting its sovereignty, and supporting Iraq in ensuring that its territory, airspace and territorial waters are not used to threaten it, its neighboring countries, or other regional states,” according to the statement. The agreement comes as Iraqi factions under the Islamic Resistance in Iraq have launched multiple attacks targeting US sites in Iraq and the region since the US-Israeli war against Iran began in late February. The US has responded with strikes on faction headquarters, including elements of the Popular Mobilization Forces—a component of Iraq’s security apparatus that Washington views as aligned with Tehran.

Regional escalation tests fragile stability

The renewed coordination between Baghdad and Washington reflects growing concern over the spillover effects of the broader conflict. Since February 28, US and Israeli strikes on Iran have claimed over 1,340 lives, including former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, while Iran has retaliated with drone and missile attacks targeting Israel, Jordan, Iraq, and Gulf states hosting US military assets. Türkiye, which shares a border with Iraq and maintains its own counterterrorism operations in the region, has closely monitored the escalating tensions. Ankara has consistently advocated for Iraq’s stability and sovereignty, warning that any further expansion of hostilities could destabilize the entire region.