Iraq’s al-Zaidi talks to Trump as Baghdad seeks to stay out of war on Iran

What happened: Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi told US President Donald Trump by phone that Baghdad will not let its territory be used to attack neighbouring countries, as his foreign minister warned a new war on Iran would be a disaster for Iraq. Key numbers: Iraq has lost more than $60bn in oil revenues since the war began. Why it matters: Iraq is trying to stay out of a wider conflict, with its foreign minister saying neither Iraqi society nor the armed forces are prepared for war and warning armed groups against joining any Iranian retaliation.

Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi told US President Donald Trump by phone that Baghdad will not let its territory be used to attack neighbouring countries, as his foreign minister warned a new war on Iran would be a disaster for Iraq.

Iraq is trying to stay out of a wider conflict, with its foreign minister saying neither Iraqi society nor the armed forces are prepared for war and warning armed groups against joining any Iranian retaliation.