Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi has placed Iraq’s sovereignty and national unity at the center of his government’s agenda, thanking Grand Ayatollah Ali Sistani and other religious institutions for supporting security, civil peace, social cohesion and respect for the law. His remarks come as Baghdad seeks to strengthen state authority and ensure that Iraqi territory is not used to launch attacks against neighboring countries.
Emphasis on National Sovereignty
Zaidi said Iraq must remain committed to protecting its territory and preventing the country from becoming a battleground for regional conflicts. According to the prime minister, maintaining Iraq’s sovereignty is essential for building a stable state capable of making independent decisions in the national interest.
His comments also highlighted the importance of cooperation between state institutions and Iraq’s influential religious authorities. By acknowledging the position of Grand Ayatollah Ali Sistani and other religious institutions, Zaidi underscored the role that calls for restraint, social cohesion and respect for the law can play in maintaining stability.
The prime minister argued that national unity should remain a priority as Iraq continues to strengthen its political and security institutions.
Iraqi Territory Should Not Be Used for Attacks
One of the strongest points in Zaidi’s statement was his insistence that Iraqi territory should not be used as a launching pad for attacks against other countries.
For Baghdad, this principle is closely connected to Iraq’s sovereignty. The government wants Iraqi territory and security institutions to remain under state control rather than becoming tools for outside conflicts.
Iraq occupies a strategically important position in the Middle East, sharing borders with several countries and maintaining relationships with both regional and international powers. This geography has often exposed the country to wider tensions.
Zaidi’s position suggests that the government wants to prevent Iraq from being drawn into confrontations between regional actors. Maintaining a policy of territorial neutrality could also help Baghdad protect its diplomatic relationships and reduce the risk of retaliatory attacks on Iraqi soil.
Reform and Stronger State Institutions
The prime minister linked sovereignty with broader domestic reforms. He said his government was committed to combating corruption, strengthening the economy and developing security institutions that operate according to the constitution.
These objectives are important because political stability depends not only on military capabilities but also on effective governance. Strong institutions can help the government enforce laws consistently, protect citizens and manage national resources.
Zaidi’s emphasis on constitutional security institutions also reflects an effort to reinforce the authority of the Iraqi state. For Iraq’s sovereignty to become a lasting reality, Baghdad needs institutions capable of exercising authority across the country while maintaining public confidence.
Economic reform is another major part of that process. A stronger economy could give the government greater independence and provide resources needed for infrastructure, public services and security-sector development.
Changing US-Iraq Security Relations
The latest comments also come against the background of changing relations between Baghdad and Washington.
In 2024, the United States and Iraq agreed on a plan to end the US-led military mission against Daesh. Most US forces subsequently withdrew from bases across Iraq in 2025, although American troops remained in Iraq’s semi-autonomous Kurdish region.
The reduction of the US military presence represents an important stage in Iraq’s evolving security relationship with Washington. For Baghdad, the long-term objective is to ensure that Iraqi security institutions can independently protect the country while maintaining appropriate international partnerships.
The transition also creates new responsibilities for Iraq’s government. As foreign military involvement changes, Baghdad must demonstrate that it can prevent armed groups from exploiting Iraqi territory and maintain security throughout the country.
The Role of Religious Institutions
Grand Ayatollah Ali Sistani remains an influential religious figure in Iraq, and Zaidi’s appreciation of his position highlights the importance of religious institutions in supporting national stability.
The prime minister specifically praised calls emphasizing security, peaceful coexistence, social cohesion and adherence to the law. These messages can help reinforce the idea that political and security disputes should be managed through state institutions rather than uncontrolled violence.
For a country that has experienced years of conflict and political instability, maintaining social cohesion remains particularly important. A unified national approach could help Iraq avoid becoming further entangled in regional rivalries.
A Broader Vision for Iraq
Zaidi’s remarks present sovereignty as part of a much broader national project. His government is seeking to combine territorial security with economic development, institutional reform and stronger law enforcement.
The message is also aimed at reinforcing Baghdad’s authority at a time when regional tensions continue to affect the Middle East. By insisting that Iraqi territory should not be used for attacks against other countries, the government is signaling its desire for Iraq to pursue its own national interests rather than become an extension of another power’s conflict.
Strengthening Iraq’s sovereignty will depend on more than statements from political and religious leaders. It will require effective institutions, economic progress, security-sector development and continued commitment to the rule of law.
If these priorities can be maintained, Baghdad could gradually strengthen its position as an independent regional actor. For Iraq, greater sovereignty would not simply mean reducing foreign military involvement; it would mean building a state capable of protecting its territory, serving its citizens and making decisions based on national priorities.
