United Nations Special Representative in Iraq, Mohamed al-Hassan, reaffirmed the UN's support for Iraq in a press conference following a high-level meeting with Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, Iraq’s prominent religious authority. Al-Hassan emphasized the UN’s commitment to aid Iraq in strengthening its stability and security, highlighting the importance of respecting Iraq's religious leadership.

During their meeting, the two leaders discussed joint efforts to reinforce Iraq’s position and protect its sovereignty. Al-Sistani laid out key priorities, stressing the need to prevent foreign interference in Iraq's internal affairs, uphold the rule of law, maintain state monopoly over weapons, and intensify efforts against corruption.

Al-Sistani also expressed his disappointment in the international community's inability to find effective resolutions for ongoing conflicts in Lebanon and Gaza, calling for more impactful intervention. Despite these challenges, he welcomed the UN's presence in Iraq, led by al-Hassan, who heads the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) and represents the UN Secretary-General.

Al-Sistani encouraged Iraqis, especially the intellectual community, to reflect on past challenges and work together to secure a stable and prosperous future for Iraq. The meeting underscored the ongoing cooperation between international entities and Iraq’s religious leadership in addressing Iraq’s pressing issues and working toward a more secure and progressive future for all Iraqis.