Iraqi prime minister speaks to Donald Trump to avert wider regional war

Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi spoke to United States President Donald Trump over the phone on Thursday, Al Jazeera reported. Al-Zaidi told the US president that Baghdad will not permit its territory to be used to launch attacks against neighbouring nations. According to al-Zaidi's office, the two leaders discussed security developments and the evolving situation across the region. [1]

The phone call occurred as Iraq's foreign minister urged local armed groups not to participate in any Iranian retaliation against US attacks, Al Jazeera reported. The foreign minister warned that a new war involving Iran would cause a disaster for Iraq. Diplomatic efforts have intensified to prevent further military escalation between the United States and Iran. [1]

France 24 reported that Donald Trump acknowledged his war against Iran affected the recent US midterm elections. According to France 24, voters were frustrated by rising gas prices caused by the conflict. NPR also reported that Iran remains cautious about potential new US strikes despite Trump noting the impact of the war on his party's election results. [6][7]

The United States and Israel launched a war against Iran and its regional allies on 28 February 2026, following air strikes across Iran. As FTMQ News reported earlier, Ali al-Zaidi serves as Iraq's prime minister, having assumed office earlier in the year. [9][11]