Iraq Rejects “Israeli” Participation in US-Led Gulf Mission

By Staff- Agencies

Iraq has rejected any “Israeli” participation in a naval force under the pretext of protecting shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.

Iraq’s Foreign Minister Mohammed Ali al-Hakim wrote on social media on Monday that Baghdad "rejects any participation of forces of the Zionist entity in any military force to secure passage of ships in the Arabian Gulf.”

"Together, the Gulf states can secure the passage of ships," he said.

The top diplomat further stated that that "Iraq will work to lower tensions in our region through calm negotiations", while "the presence of Western forces in the region would raise tensions".

The comment came after “Israeli” Foreign Minister Israel Katz reportedly said that the apartheid entity was assisting US-led efforts to boost security around the strategic Strait of Hormuz.

Tensions have escalated in past months, with drones downed and tankers mysteriously attacked in Gulf and nearby waters, where about 20 percent of the world's oil trade passes through.