\n
![](\"https:\/\/en.hamsonews.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/5323889.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
\n<\/p>\n
TEHRAN \u2013 Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, the Leader of the Islamic Revolution, has highlighted the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), as a key pillar of Iraq’s national strength.<\/p>\n
In a meeting with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia\u2019 al-Sudani, held in Tehran on Wednesday, the leader called for concerted efforts to preserve and strengthen this powerful force amid ongoing challenges to the country\u2019s sovereignty and unity.<\/p>\n
He remarked, \u201cAs you have noted, the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), or Hashd al-Shaabi, play a crucial role in safeguarding Iraq\u2019s strength. Efforts must continue to preserve and further reinforce this significant pillar of national resilience.\u201d \u00a0<\/p>\n
The Leader also expressed concern over indications that the U.S. is actively working to entrench its presence in Iraq, urging Baghdad to stand firm against such moves. \u00a0<\/p>\n
Ayatollah Khamenei characterized this presence as illegal and detrimental to the sovereignty and well-being of the Iraqi nation.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Iraq continues to grapple with terrorism backed by Western and Israeli forces and is pressing for the withdrawal of U.S.-led military forces from its territory, as mandated by a resolution passed in Iraq\u2019s parliament following Lieutenant General Qassem Soleimani\u2019s assassination in Baghdad. \u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
During the meeting, the Leader also lauded al-Sudani for his effective efforts toward ensuring Iraq\u2019s development and security.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Highlighting the deep ties between the two nations, Ayatollah Khamenei underscored that a secure and prosperous Iraq is not only beneficial to its people but also serves the interests of the Islamic Republic of Iran. \u00a0<\/p>\n
During the discussion, Ayatollah Khamenei praised the Iraqi government\u2019s strong rapport with its people, describing unity among Iraq\u2019s diverse religious and ethnic groups as a vital foundation for the country\u2019s progress.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Turning to the region, Ayatollah Khamenei highlighted the ongoing turmoil in Syria, attributing much of the instability to external interference. \u201cThe involvement of foreign governments in Syria\u2019s crises is both evident and harmful,\u201d he said, calling for greater regional cooperation to restore peace and stability. \u00a0<\/p>\n
The meeting was attended by senior Iranian officials, including President Masoud Pezeshkian, who welcomed the deepening bilateral discussions.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Prime Minister al-Sudani, in turn, expressed satisfaction with the talks, emphasizing his government\u2019s commitment to strengthening the strategic partnership between Iraq and Iran. He noted that the agreements reached during his Tehran visit would further solidify the two nations\u2019 political, economic, and cultural ties. \u00a0<\/p>\n
Al-Sudani outlined the key pillars of Iraq\u2019s national strength, including its resilient people, the PMF, national unity, and the guiding role of religious authorities.<\/p>\n
Addressing recent Israeli aggression in Gaza and Lebanon, he reaffirmed Iraq\u2019s unwavering support for the Palestinian and Lebanese people, as well as for resistance movements throughout the region. \u00a0<\/p>\n
Commenting on the Syrian crisis, the Iraqi Prime Minister reiterated his government\u2019s stance in favor of Syria\u2019s territorial integrity, national sovereignty, and the formation of an inclusive government that reflects the will of the Syrian people. He also stressed the importance of regional solidarity in countering foreign interference and fostering sustainable peace. \u00a0<\/p>\n
Pezeshkian calls for regional stability in talks with Iraqi PM<\/strong><\/p>\n In a press conference following a meeting with Iraq\u2019s Prime Minister, Masoud Pezeshkian emphasized the Islamic Republic\u2019s commitment to fostering peace, stability, and security across the region.\u00a0<\/p>\n The Iranian president noted that Iraq is currently enjoying a phase of stability and development after defeating the Takfiri terrorist group Daesh. \u00a0<\/p>\n “The Republic of Iraq is not only an important neighbor but also a strategic partner for Iran,” Pezeshkian stated. “We are delighted that our bilateral relations have reached an optimal level, with mutual cooperation expanding across various fields daily.” \u00a0<\/p>\n Prime Minister Sudani arrived in Tehran on Wednesday, where he was officially received by Iran\u2019s Finance Minister, Abdol-Nasser Hemmati. His visit included high-level discussions held at Tehran\u2019s Sa\u2019ad Abad Historical and Cultural Complex. He also had a meeting with Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, the speaker of the Iranian parliament on Wednesday.<\/p>\n Sudani expressed that his trip to Iran was part of ongoing efforts to deepen collaboration and strengthen communications between the two countries. He praised the positive outcomes of Pezeshkian\u2019s visit to Iraq last year, during which the Iranian president held extensive talks on economic, social, developmental, religious, and contractual issues. Pezeshkian\u2019s visit also included stops in Baghdad, the holy cities of Karbala and Najaf, the southern port city of Basra, and the semi-autonomous Kurdistan Region. \u00a0<\/p>\n During the joint press conference, Sudani also addressed regional challenges, particularly Syria\u2019s ongoing instability following the fall of President Bashar al-Assad and the rise of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS).<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n