Iraq government warns Syria against intervening in Lebanese affairs

Last updated Jul 18, 2026 6:49 PM

BAGHDAD, July 18 (YPA) – The Iraqi government sent a message to Syria’s transitional President Ahmed al-Sharaa, urging him not to interfere in the Lebanese file and warning of potential security and regional repercussions that could result from any Syrian move in this direction.

Lebanese newspaper Al-Akhbar, citing sources it described as informed, that the report comes amid claims that al-Sharaa rejected a U.S. request to take a stance against Hezbollah.

The newspaper said the Iraqi message was sent against the backdrop of growing regional and international attention toward the situation in Lebanon, as well as increasing U.S. pressure on Damascus to engage in arrangements related to the Lebanese arena.

Baghdad reportedly warned that any Syrian intervention could lead to developments that would undermine Syria’s internal stability and its efforts to rebuild relations with its regional surroundings.

According to the sources, the Iraqi government informed Damascus that any threat targeting Lebanon’s Shia community or Hezbollah originating from Syrian territory would be met with action by Iraqi factions, stressing that any Syrian step toward Lebanon would have direct repercussions on the Syrian scene.

The sources added that Ahmed al-Sharaa told Iraqi officials that the U.S. administration had asked him to intervene in the Lebanese file and adopt a position against Hezbollah, but that he refused to comply with the request, according to Al-Akhbar.

Meanwhile, the newspaper reported that Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi plans to visit Damascus later this month for talks with al-Sharaa on the future of bilateral relations, ways to strengthen coordination between the two countries, and the participation of various Syrian components in state institutions during the transitional phase.

The discussions are also expected to address the issue of Lebanese and Syrian civilians who were displaced from villages in the Homs countryside following the fall of the previous Syrian government, including mechanisms for creating suitable conditions for their return as part of efforts to resolve outstanding humanitarian issues between the two countries.