Iraq and the US finalize a new defense agreement after the Iraqi Prime Minister's visit to the White House

April 20 (EUROPA PRESS) –

Iraqi authorities are in the process of finalizing a new defense deal with the United States following this week's visit to the White House by Iraqi Prime Minister Mohamad Shia al Sudani.

The agreement, which includes helicopters and a drone system, comes after the Government of Iraq has protested for weeks against US operations against pro-Iran militias attacking US forces in Iraqi territory.

This clash of confrontations has rebounded after the outbreak of the war between Israel and Hamas, which places Iraq in a very precarious position as it is geographically between Israel and Iran, declared enemies. Israel accuses Iran of supporting Hamas and financing the pro-Iran militias that operate in Iraqi territory, with enormous influence in the country to the point that Baghdad considers them integrated into its regular forces.

In this context, Iraqi Defense Minister Hasan Muhammad Al Abasi has confirmed that Al Sudani and US President Joe Biden have discussed the delivery of Bell helicopters and a new unmanned aircraft system. This agreement has already been discussed at the level of Defense officials of both countries and has been subject to preliminary approval, as reported by the minister to the Iraqi Kurdish agency Rudaw.

“We already have the arms agreements ready, signed by a representative of the United States Department of Defense. We have gone through several stages of negotiation and we hope to have another meeting on the matter soon,” he added.