BAGHDAD, August 22, 2026 — Iraqi President Nizar Amidi on Saturday firmly rejected the use of Iraqi territory for attacks against any nation, declaring that national interests must come first as the country seeks to stay out of escalating regional conflicts.
Speaking on the second day of the eighth Baghdad Dialogue Conference, Amidi said: “We do not accept the use of Iraqi territory to attack any country… We speak frankly to all countries that Iraq comes first.” He stressed that Iraq has already suffered heavily from regional wars and is determined to avoid further entanglement.
The president also called for all weapons to be placed exclusively under state control, noting that only a small number of armed factions have yet to comply. He said dialogue continues on this issue and that both the constitution and Iraq’s religious authorities support restricting arms to the government.
Amidi addressed ongoing challenges with oil exports, saying Iraq remains in talks with Iran over “complex problems” in the Strait of Hormuz. He added that several Iraqi oil tankers are still being facilitated through the waterway and expressed the view that the United States wants an agreement to end the current regional war.
Separately, Amidi confirmed that the international coalition’s mission in Iraq will end on September 30 at the Iraqi government’s request, underscoring Baghdad’s push to strengthen its own security and sovereignty.
The statement comes amid heightened regional tensions and follows repeated Iraqi pledges in recent months to prevent its soil, airspace, or waters from being used as a launchpad for attacks on neighboring countries, including Gulf states.
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