Aoun, Iraqi PM affirm ties after Beirut ambassador summoned over Hezbollah remarks

BEIRUT — Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani spoke by phone Thursday following Baghdad’s summons of Lebanon’s ambassador, in response to recent comments by Aoun.

During the call, the two leaders emphasized “the strength and depth of Lebanese-Iraqi relations,” according to a statement posted by the Lebanese presidency on its X account.

“President Aoun and the Iraqi prime minister affirmed the strength and depth of Lebanese-Iraqi relations, regardless of any influencing factors,” the statement said. “They also reiterated their shared commitment to strengthening and expanding ties across various sectors.”

The conversation came a day after Iraq’s Foreign Minister, Fouad Hussein, summoned Lebanese Ambassador Ali al-Habhab to express Baghdad’s discontent over Aoun’s remarks regarding the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF). According to reports relayed by Reuters and regional media, Iraq conveyed “unease” over comments seen as an indirect critique of its security model.

Aoun, who has repeatedly championed the Lebanese state’s exclusive authority over arms, recently said Hezbollah fighters could join the army “if they meet the qualifications and pass the necessary tests.” But he stressed that this should not mirror “the Iraqi experience of integrating Hezbollah into the army or forming a separate unit within it.”

The PMF is a coalition of mostly pro-Iranian paramilitary groups that has been formally integrated into Iraq’s security forces. Aoun’s remarks triggered strong reactions from political opponents on social media.

Lebanon and Iraq maintain broad cooperation, especially in the energy sector. Under a barter agreement launched during Lebanon’s economic collapse in 2019, state-run Électricité du Liban procures Iraqi fuel with deferred payment.

During the 2023–24 war between Hezbollah and Israel, many Lebanese residents from areas most exposed to Israeli strikes sought refuge in Iraq.