Iraq and Lebanon Assert Sovereignty Amid Regional Tensions
Leaders in Baghdad and Beirut emphasize state control over security and national borders.
1Iraq Rejects Use of Territory
Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Al-Zaidi held a phone call with U.S. President Donald Trump to discuss regional stability. Al-Zaidi emphasized that Iraq will not allow its territory to be used for attacks against neighboring countries. Both leaders underscored the necessity of prioritizing diplomacy and peaceful solutions to address ongoing regional security challenges.
2Lebanese Sovereignty Stance
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun declared that Lebanon will not accept any external interference in its sovereignty. He stressed that the state must hold exclusive authority over war and peace decisions. Aoun warned against repeating past mistakes, urging citizens to prioritize national unity over foreign influence during this period of regional instability.
3International Support for Beirut
A coalition of nations, including the U.S., UK, and Japan, issued a statement supporting Lebanon's state sovereignty. These nations called for all political parties to commit to the government's monopoly on arms. They specifically encouraged a transparent, independent judicial process regarding recent security incidents, such as the Dahr Al-Baidar explosives discovery.
4Hezbollah Challenges State Policy
Hezbollah continues to reject state efforts to monopolize military power, defending its right to resist perceived Israeli aggression. The group criticized the government's ongoing negotiations with Israel, labeling them catastrophic. This internal friction complicates the Lebanese government's attempts to assert full authority and maintain a policy of positive neutrality in regional conflicts.
5Iraqi Military Expansion
The Iraqi Ministry of Defense has increased military deployment along the western defense line between Rawa and Al-Hadr. This strategic move aims to secure desert regions and prevent militant groups from using them as safe havens. The deployment also intends to protect trade routes and support local agricultural and investment activities across the country.
6Advancing Domestic Military Industry
Prime Minister Al-Zaidi visited the Military Industrialization Commission to inspect locally developed weaponry, including drones and surveillance systems. He directed the commission to expand partnerships with the private sector to enhance national production capabilities. Al-Zaidi stated that building a robust domestic military industry is a fundamental pillar of Iraq's national sovereignty.
7Historical Context of Industry
Iraq's military industrialization efforts date back to the 1970s, expanding significantly during the 1980s conflict with Iran. However, the nation's defense infrastructure suffered catastrophic collapse following the 1991 Gulf War and subsequent international sanctions. The current commission, established by Law No. 25 of 2019, seeks to rebuild this base for modern security needs.
8Regional Security Outlook
Both Iraq and Lebanon are navigating intense pressure as regional powers compete for influence. By emphasizing state-led security and diplomatic dialogue, both governments aim to insulate their populations from broader conflicts. Success depends on their ability to enforce internal authority while managing domestic factions that remain skeptical of state-centric security models.
Original article: Asharq Al-Awsat — Iraq and Lebanon Assert Sovereignty Amid Regional Tensions