Maan: Kuwait and Iraq face a new stage in relations

Saad Maan, the commander of Iraq’s Security Media Cell, affirmed that the Iraqi delegation’s visit to Kuwait aims to strengthen fraternal relations and continuous coordination between the two countries, particularly in security and media fields. He emphasized the importance of unifying security messages and enhancing direct communication channels to counter rumors and prevent misunderstandings arising from the circulation of inaccurate information.

Speaking to journalists on the sidelines of the visit, which he undertook alongside Saab Al-Noaman, spokesperson for the Commander-in-Chief of the Iraqi Armed Forces and official spokesperson for the Iraqi military and security establishment on security and military matters, Maan explained that Iraq’s Security Media Cell is attached to the office of the Commander-in-Chief. It coordinates and organizes security media activities across various security institutions, including the Ministries of Interior and Defense, the National Security Agency, the Popular Mobilization Forces, and the Peshmerga, while also liaising with international media.

Maan clarified that the visit to Kuwait seeks to organize and develop existing bilateral relations and achieve “common security messages.” He noted that one of the key priorities is combating recurring rumors by establishing direct communication channels between Iraq’s Security Media Cell and its counterparts in Kuwait’s Ministry of Interior and Ministry of Defense. “Any story or unclear issue for the public will have a direct communication point and immediate clarification, thus eliminating ambiguity or gaps, and ensuring instant remediation,” he added.

He pointed out that the two sides agreed on several measures, including reciprocal visits, academic security coordination, enhancing media capacity and efficiency, and exchanging expertise. Maan stressed that the meetings held by the Iraqi delegation with Kuwaiti Interior Ministry officials, followed by a technical session involving media directors from both countries’ Interior and Defense Ministries and relevant media departments, marked a “real starting point for Iraqi-Kuwaiti security cooperation.”

Addressing regional dynamics, Maan stated that Iraq is situated in a “turbulent” regional environment but remains committed to avoiding any war and preserving its gains. He underscored the importance of good relations with all neighboring countries, foremost among them Kuwait. He added that maintaining these relations extends beyond diplomacy to include “soft power, communication environments, and shared interests,” asserting that minor issues can be resolved through direct dialogue.

When asked whether Iraqi territory had been used to target neighboring countries, Maan clarified that some strikes attributed to Iraq were not carried out by Iraqi forces. He noted that the country’s vast area and the presence of over one million non-Iraqis necessitate careful verification of information.

Maan also warned against a phenomenon he termed “news laundering,” where information from unknown sources is passed on and treated as if it originated from official Iraqi entities. He argued that media can play a role in “poisoning thoughts and memory,” affirming that Iraq is working to bolster its media and technical capabilities to counter disinformation and protect the country’s image. He noted that security media is no longer limited to announcing military operations but has become “influential media,” given the impact of social media on youth and public opinion. This requires developing media performance and addressing unverified news that could damage Iraq’s reputation.

Regarding counter-narcotics and organized crime, Maan described Iraq-Kuwait cooperation as one of the most successful areas in recent times, citing a joint operation against narcotics and psychotropic substances coordinated between both sides. He explained that cooperation has become “proactive,” involving information exchange before operations occur, rather than merely reacting after the fact. He noted that bidirectional information flow has significantly curbed drug smuggling and trafficking between the two countries, alongside the potential for joint field operations within legal frameworks.

Maan emphasized that security coordination between Iraq and Kuwait is not a product of the current visit but has existed for years, particularly in counter-narcotics and border security. He detailed coordination between Iraqi and Kuwaiti border command authorities across various fields, including information exchange and incident management, noting that coordination operates on both land and sea levels. He acknowledged that “human nature” can sometimes lead to issues related to fishermen’s movements or other activities, but stressed that the priority is swift resolution and coordination.

On border files, Maan insisted that they are handled “through understanding and the law,” affirming that Iraq proceeds only with agreements reached within legal and procedural frameworks. He called for responsible and calm media discourse on these issues, urging that matters resolvable through dialogue and official channels not become sources of tension between the two countries. He reaffirmed Iraq’s clear official stance: “The Iraqi leadership will not allow Iraq to be a source of threat to any neighboring country, nor will it accept Iraq being threatened or attacked by any neighbor.” He highlighted positive current indicators, stating that the political, security, and diplomatic trajectory supports stability, expressing confidence that the coming days will witness further positive developments.

For his part, Saab Al-Noaman, spokesperson for the Commander-in-Chief of the Iraqi Armed Forces and official spokesperson for the Iraqi military and security establishment, affirmed that Iraqi security forces have taken control of the country’s security file and that Iraq will not allow its territory to serve as a source of threat to any neighbor. He stated that Iraqi security forces are deployed across various regions and are capable of managing Iraq’s national security file, coinciding with the completion of arrangements for the end of the international coalition’s mission.

Al-Noaman reiterated Iraq’s clear official position: “We will not allow Iraq to be a source of threat to any neighboring country, nor will we allow Iraq to be threatened or attacked by any neighbor.” He noted that the process of regulating weapons and developing security and military capabilities is advancing rapidly, enhancing Iraqi forces’ ability to protect the country and maintain security.

Explaining that the end of the international coalition’s mission came at Iraq’s request and following an assessment of Iraqi security forces’ readiness, human resources, and armament capabilities to assume the security file, Al-Noaman indicated that the next phase will see security relations with countries that supported Iraq during the war against ISIS shift to a framework of bilateral cooperation, including the United States, Britain, France, Germany, and others. He stated this cooperation will encompass “intelligence sharing, training, armament, and capacity development” based on an equal and reciprocal relationship. He affirmed that the end of the coalition’s mission does not mean the end of cooperation with supporting nations, but rather a transition to a new phase grounded in Iraqi sovereignty and equal relations.

On the issue of ISIS, Al-Noaman clarified that the group has significantly receded, with remaining fighters numbering in the dozens, concentrated in remote mountainous areas, particularly in parts of Kirkuk, and absent from cities. He explained that confronting the remaining elements relies primarily on intelligence efforts, target identification, and coordination with the aerial targeting cell and the Iraqi Air Force’s strike capabilities. He praised the role played by the international coalition, particularly the United States, in the previous phase of fighting ISIS, noting that the coalition, established in 2014, was created for a specific mission: combating the group. He added that the expiration of the mission’s justification opens the door to a new phase of bilateral security cooperation.

Al-Noaman affirmed that Iraq will continue developing its capabilities in armament, training, and information sharing while maintaining security relations with international partners, emphasizing that the next phase will be based on bilateral cooperation within the framework of Iraqi sovereignty.

Regarding regional tensions, Al-Noaman confirmed that Iraq has not been and will not be a party to any regional war, noting that the repercussions of the US-Iran conflict have affected Iraq, Kuwait, and the region as a whole, both security-wise and economically. He stated that the region is experiencing unstable conditions, making information exchange, coordination, and joint security action with countries, foremost among them Kuwait, essential to protect societies and enhance regional stability.

He affirmed that all Iraqi security forces operate under the orders of the Prime Minister, as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, noting that decisions regarding war and peace are governed by constitutional and legal frameworks. He clarified that the Popular Mobilization Forces are part of Iraq’s security system according to the law, and the fundamental principle is that all security and military formations are subject to state authority and military command.

The enhancement of security and media coordination between Iraq and Kuwait, as outlined by the Iraqi officials, comes within the context of a new phase of regional and international cooperation based on information and expertise exchange, resolving issues through official channels, and strengthening the security of both countries to confront shared challenges.