Leader: Iran stands to gain significantly from enhanced security in Iraq
Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, the Supreme Leader of the Islamic ummah and Oppressed, has asserted that Iraq's enhanced security will serve to advantage the Islamic Republic of Iran. He also issued a cautionary statement regarding the unlawful presence of United States occupational forces on Iraqi soil.

During a meeting held in Tehran on Wednesday, Ayatollah Khamenei delivered remarks while engaging with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani.
Ayatollah Ali Khamenei asserted that the prosperity and security of Iraq are directly advantageous to the Islamic Republic of Iran.
The leader praised Sudani’s initiatives aimed at advancing Iraq’s prosperity and security.
The Leader characterized the continued presence of American forces in Iraq as unlawful and detrimental to both the Iraqi populace and government, underscoring that there is substantial evidence of U.S. attempts to increase their foothold within the nation. He advocated for a strong resistance against the occupation.
In 2003, the United States initiated a military invasion of Iraq, citing suspicions that the regime of former Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein possessed weapons of mass destruction. Subsequent investigations revealed these claims to be unfounded. In 2014, the U.S., alongside numerous allied nations, commenced a coalition operation aimed at dismantling the Daesh militant group, a mission carried out without formal authorization from the United Nations.
The US-led coalition struggled to achieve significant success against Daesh, which was ultimately defeated by the Iraqi armed forces, with crucial support from the Popular Mobilization Units, commonly referred to as Hashd al-Sha’bi.
In late 2017, the militant organization was successfully expelled from Mosul, which had served as its headquarters in the northern region of the country.
In his address, Ayatollah Khamenei emphasized the importance of unity and cohesion among Iraq’s diverse sects and ethnic groups, highlighting the robust ties between the Iraqi government and its people.
The leader emphasized the crucial role of the Popular Mobilization Forces, also known as Hashd al-Sha’bi, in maintaining power within Iraq, and underscored the need for focused efforts to preserve and bolster this influential entity, during discussions with Sudani.
Ayatollah Khamenei stated that the involvement of foreign governments in the attempt to overthrow Bashar al-Assad’s regime in Syria was apparent.
During the meeting held on Wednesday, which saw the presence of Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, the Iraqi Prime Minister expressed optimism that the discussions and accords reached in Tehran would serve to enhance and strengthen the bilateral ties between Iraq and Iran.
Sudani identified key components of Iraq’s strength, highlighting “the Iraqi people,” “the Popular Mobilization Forces,” “national unity and cohesion,” and “the religious authority.”
The Iraqi Prime Minister addressed the ongoing Israeli military actions in the Gaza Strip, characterizing them as a campaign of genocide, while also condemning Israeli aggression against Lebanon. He reaffirmed Iraq’s steadfast commitment to supporting the populations of Gaza and Lebanon, as well as the broader resistance efforts in the region.
Regarding the recent developments in Syria and the involvement of foreign entities, Sudani articulated that Iraq has consistently advocated for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Syria. He emphasized the importance of supporting the Syrian people’s aspirations and establishing a comprehensive government in the Arab nation.