Iraq says it is ‘not party’ to regional conflict after US security warning

Iraq said Thursday it is not a party to the ongoing regional conflict and is working to keep its territory out of escalation, after the US Embassy in Baghdad warned of potential security threats in the country.

In a statement, the Foreign Ministry said it remains "clearly and steadfastly committed" to keeping Iraq outside the scope of the conflict, despite being among the countries most affected by its "security, economic and political repercussions."

The ministry warned that certain parties or individuals may attempt "to take unilateral actions contrary to the state's direction or exploit official positions to carry out activities that do not reflect government policy," stressing that such acts are "unlawful and do not represent Iraq or its institutions."

It added that attributing individual actions to the state is "unjustified," noting that the government has taken "firm and public stances" against such behavior and clearly rejects any actions that contradict its official position.

Iraq said the situation is further complicated by what it described as a "decline" in adherence to international law and humanitarian standards governing armed conflicts, turning the situation into an "open-ended war" with expanding repercussions that also affect countries not directly involved.

"This has imposed additional challenges on Iraq in its efforts to contain the spillover of the conflict and prevent its extension into Iraqi territory," it added.

The government stressed that, despite operating under a caretaker status, it is exerting "maximum efforts" to prevent escalation, enhance security measures, protect diplomatic missions, foreign interests and civilians, and maintain internal stability.

It also affirmed that it is taking necessary steps to ensure Iraqi territory "is not used as a launchpad for any hostile acts."

Earlier, the US Embassy in Baghdad warned that Iran-aligned militia groups may carry out attacks in central Baghdad within 24 to 48 hours, potentially targeting US citizens, diplomatic facilities, infrastructure, and locations associated with the United States.

The embassy urged US citizens to leave Iraq "immediately" and reiterated a Level 4 "Do Not Travel" advisory, warning that Americans remaining in the country face "significant risk."