Evidence shows US seeking to expand presence in Iraq: Iran’s Leader
During the meeting, Ayatollah Khamenei commended al-Sudani for his commendable efforts in fostering development and ensuring security in Iraq.
“The more developed and secure Iraq is, the more it will also benefit the Islamic Republic of Iran,” he stated.
Ayatollah Khamenei emphasized the importance of the good relationship between the government and the people of Iraq, highlighting the necessity of unity and cohesion among the various sects and ethnicities within the country.
Addressing Al-Sudani, he stated, “As you have pointed out, Hashd al-Shaabi is a crucial component of power in Iraq, and more efforts should be made to preserve it and to strengthen it even further.”
The Leader of the Islamic Revolution described the presence of US occupying forces in Iraq as illegal and contrary to the interests of both the people and the government of Iraq.
He underscored the presence of clear indications and evidence pointing to America’s efforts to solidify and expand its presence and occupation in Iraq, which he asserted, must be firmly opposed.
Ayatollah Khamenei also pointed to the latest developments in the region, particularly regarding the situation in Syria.
“The role of foreign governments in these matters is completely evident,” he remarked.
During this meeting, which also included the participation of Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, al-Sudani voiced his satisfaction with the discussions held in Tehran. He expressed optimism that the negotiations and agreements reached would further expand and deepen the bilateral relations between the two countries.
The Iraqi prime minister identified “the people,” “Hashd al-Shaabi,” “national unity and cohesion,” and “Marja’iyyah [religious authority]” as components of power in Iraq.
While referring to the aggressions of the Zionist regime in Gaza and Lebanon, he emphasized that Iraq’s fundamental position has been to support the people of Gaza and Lebanon and the Resistance in the region.
Al-Sudani highlighted the situation in Syria and the influence of foreign powers on these events, reiterating Iraq’s consistent stance of supporting the will of the Syrian people while upholding the nation’s independence and territorial integrity.
He also underlined the importance of establishing a government that is inclusive of all citizens.
Source: Ifp Media Wire
Saudi Arabia condemns “greater Israel” map
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has expressed Saudi Arabia’s condemnation and rejection of the Israeli occupation’s claims and false allegations regarding a map published by official accounts affiliated with it. The map inaccurately depicts parts of Arab countries, including Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria, as being within its alleged borders, local Saudi media reported.
The Kingdom asserted that such extremist claims reflect the occupation authorities” intent to entrench their occupation, continue blatant assaults on the sovereignty of states, and violate international laws and norms.
Saudi Arabia reiterated its call for the international community to assume its responsibility in halting Israeli violations against the region’s countries and peoples. The Kingdom also emphasized the necessity of respecting the sovereignty and borders of states to prevent the escalation of regional crises and undermining efforts to achieve a just and comprehensive peace.
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Iraqi govt spox calls Al-Sudani”s visit to Tehran “pivotal”
Al Sudani’s recent trip to the Iranian capital revolved around developments in the region and the Syrian situation, Iraqi News Agency has quoted Iraqi News Agency(INA) as saying.
He termed the Iraqi Prime Minister”s visit to Iran as important and pivotal. It is necessary to pay attention to the memoranda of understanding and agreements signed with neighboring countries, the official noted.
Heading a high-profile delegation, the Iraqi premier paid a visit to Tehran.
During the one-day trip, he held talks with the Iranian high-ranking official including Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, President Masoud Pezeshkian, and the Parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf.
Pezeshkian officially welcomed Al Sudani at Sa”dabad Cultural and Historical Complex on Wednesday.
Americans are seeking to stabilize their presence in Iraq, emphasizing that Iraq’s Popular Mobilization Unit (PMU) should be further strengthened, said Ayatollah Khamenei in a meeting with the visiting prime minister of Iraq.
MNA/6341879
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Trump’s aide sets 100-day timeline to end Ukraine war
“I know I’m on the clock,” retired US Army lieutenant general Keith Kellogg told Fox News on Wednesday.
“I would like to set a goal on a personal level, on a professional level. I would say let’s set it at 100 days and move your way back.”
Kellogg stressed that Trump remains committed to restarting negotiations between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky to find a settlement to the fighting, which has claimed “enormous” casualties on both sides.
“He’s not trying to give something to Putin or to the Russians. He’s actually trying to save Ukraine and save their sovereignty. And he’s going to make sure that it’s equitable and that it’s fair,” Kellogg added.
He argued that “the biggest mistake President [Joe] Biden made is the fact that he’s never engaged in any conversations with Putin.”
“He hasn’t talked to him in over two years,” Kellogg said, adding that Trump “does talk to adversaries and allies alike.”
Trump has repeatedly vowed to quickly mediate a successful peace deal, but offered little specifics. According to media reports, his team is considering freezing the conflict along the current front line.
Negotiations between Moscow and Kiev broke down in spring 2022, with both sides accusing each other of making unrealistic demands. Putin stated that for any settlement to work, Ukraine must abandon its plans to join NATO and renounce its claims on Crimea and four other former Ukrainian territories that have joined Russia.
Source: Ifp Media Wire
Iran urges respect for Syria’s sovereignty, inclusive govt.
Iran’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations Amir Saeid Iravani was speaking before the United Nations Security Council session on the situation in Syria in New York on Wednesday, Press TV reported.
Iravani reaffirmed Iran’s unwavering commitment to Syria’s sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity, saying it is the Syrian people who must exclusively make decisions about the war-ravaged country’s future without any external interference or imposition.
“Iran advocates for the formation of an inclusive government through free and fair elections and a comprehensive national dialogue that ensures representation for all ethnic, political, and religious groups,” the ambassador added.
He stressed the importance of drafting a new constitution as a “key priority” in Syria, which will serve as the foundation for the country’s future governance.
Pointing to Iran’s “legal” presence in Syria, which had been at the request of the former Syrian government, Iravani said, “Iran participated in an advisory capacity to combat terrorism, aiming to prevent insecurity from spreading throughout the region.”
He also defended Iran’s withdrawal from Syria, saying it was conducted in a “responsible manner, with careful consideration of potential impacts on the Syrian people.”
“Nevertheless, achieving peace, stability, and security in Syria, ending foreign occupation, and ensuring a Syria free of terrorism remain the cornerstones of Iran’s foreign policy toward the country,” the senior Iranian diplomat emphasized.
He warned about the severe economic and humanitarian challenges that the Syrian people are facing and said nearly 1.1 million people — mostly women and children – have been displaced since November 27, 2024.
Iravani commended the tireless efforts of the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) and humanitarian partners in alleviating the suffering of the Syrian people.
“Rebuilding critical infrastructure, restoring essential services, and facilitating the safe return of refugees and displaced persons are essential steps toward recovery,” he said.
He highlighted the significance of swift removal of “extraterritorial, unilateral, unjust and illegal” sanctions imposed by Western countries on Syria, saying, “Exploiting the situation in Syria to impose political conditions and undermine Syria’s sovereignty in exchange for sanctions relief severely harms the most vulnerable populations and violates the fundamental rights of the Syrian people.”
It is imperative to respect the rights of all minorities in Syria, including Alawites, Shias, and Christians, and to ensure the protection of diplomatic personnel and premises in accordance with international law, he further said.
Iravani expressed serious concern over the resurgence of terrorism in Syria, particularly the covert operations of sleeper cells linked to al-Qaeda and Daesh, explaining that such terrorist groups have the potential to reconnect and reignite terrorism across the region.
“Compounding the crisis is the presence of over 60 armed groups, including foreign terrorist fighters (FTFs) with divergent and often conflicting agendas, which has deepened instability and poses a severe threat to both regional and global security,” he said.
He warned against the pressing challenge of the fate of thousands of Daesh-affiliated militants held in camps and prisons in northeastern Syria, demanding urgent action in this regard.
“These individuals must be swiftly repatriated to their countries of origin based on their nationality and subjected to legal proceedings to ensure accountability.”
The Iranian ambassador reaffirmed the country’s commitment to combating international terrorism and collaborating with legitimate international partners to address this critical challenge.
Iravani described Israel as “the most significant threat” to Syria’s present and future, saying the occupying regime continues violations of the Arab country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, by various means, including military aggression and ongoing occupation of Syrian territories.
Pointing to Israel’s refusal to withdraw from the occupied Golan Heights in defiance of Security Council Resolution 497 (1981), he said, “With US support and exploiting Syria’s situation, Israel has expanded its occupation by occupying over 500 additional square kilometers of Syrian territory and systematically destroying nearly all of Syria’s military and research infrastructure.”
Israel is flagrantly violating international law, the UN Charter, and relevant Security Council resolutions, he added, urging the world body to “take decisive action to halt these violations and hold Israel accountable for its destabilizing actions.”
The Israeli regime has occupied some 600 kilometers of Syrian territory since the government of former president Bashar al-Assad was toppled last month by the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) militants.
The militants took control of Damascus on December 8 and declared an end to Assad’s rule in a surprise offensive that was launched from their stronghold in northwestern Syria, reaching the capital in less than two weeks.
Iravani said Iran was willing to play a constructive role in Syria and work with the United Nations, regional partners, and a Syrian government representing the will of the country’s people to achieve lasting peace and stability in Syria and the broader region.
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