Iraq's minister cautions of potential conflict that may engulf the nation.

According to Iraq's foreign minister, Dr. Fuad Hussein, the tit-for-tat attacks on Iraqi territory by Iranian-backed militias and US forces could potentially push the country into conflict. Dr. Hussein expressed concern about the current high tension between Iran and the United States and called for both sides to cease their attacks, emphasizing that the problem cannot be resolved on Iraqi soil. He highlighted the significant price that Iraq has already paid due to the ongoing hostilities, which have included US airstrikes that killed 17 fighters from Iranian-backed armed groups and a deadly missile attack on a militia commander condemned as an assassination. These incidents have exacerbated the already strained relationship between Iraqi authorities and their American allies who have overstayed their welcome, according to the sentiment on the streets and within the government. Dr. Hussein stressed the need to resume talks on the withdrawal of the 2,500 US troops deployed in Iraq as advisors since 2014 to counter the Islamic State threat. He stated that most Iraqis do not want foreign forces on their soil, and those invited - referring to the Americans - will be negotiated with, while the uninvited must leave. The foreign minister acknowledged Iran's influence in Iraq but denied that Tehran dictates policy decisions in Baghdad, describing the relationship as a constant negotiation. However, the noticeable Iranian presence is evident in various aspects of Iraqi society, such as the prominence of Iranian figures, including Qasem Soleimani and Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in posters and the influence of Hezbollah. Dr. Hussein expressed a desire to eliminate all external influences and emphasized that Iraq's decisions should be made by Iraqis in Baghdad. Although neither Iran nor the US wants a major escalation, the situation remains volatile and could potentially lead to a larger conflict. Pro-Iranian armed groups have vowed to escalate their attacks on US forces, putting Iraq on a knife-edge, according to the United Nations envoy for Iraq.