Regional leaders gathered in Baghdad on May 17, 2025, for the annual Arab League summit, with the Gaza conflict dominating discussions. This summit comes just two months after Israel ended a ceasefire with the Hamas militant group that had been established in January 2025. The situation in Gaza has escalated in recent days, with Israel launching widespread attacks in the region, and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowing to intensify efforts to dismantle Hamas.
Gaza Crisis Takes Center Stage at Arab League Summit
The Arab League summit in Baghdad is expected to focus heavily on the ongoing conflict in Gaza, which remains a priority for regional leaders. In March 2025, an emergency summit in Cairo endorsed a reconstruction plan for the Gaza Strip, which aims to rebuild the area without displacing its 2 million residents. However, the recent escalation of violence by Israel and the lack of progress in negotiating a ceasefire have left many unanswered questions.
Trump’s Middle East Tour Casts a Shadow Over Summit
The summit in Baghdad is taking place just days after a visit by U.S. President Donald Trump to the region, which brought mixed reactions. While many had hoped Trump’s visit would result in a new ceasefire agreement, it instead made headlines due to his meeting with Syria’s newly elected President Ahmad al-Sharaa, a former insurgent leader with a controversial past.
Trump also announced plans to remove U.S. sanctions on Syria, which had been a point of contention in the region. However, Ahmad al-Sharaa did not attend the Arab League summit. Syria was instead represented by its Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani, as Iraqi Shia militias and political factions had expressed concerns over al-Sharaa’s past affiliations with Sunni militant groups, particularly his role during the Iraq War and his connection to al-Qaida.
Tensions Between Iran and the U.S. Influence Summit Dynamics
Amid the summit’s preparations, Iran’s Quds Force commander Esmail Ghaani reportedly visited Baghdad to convey messages of support for ongoing Iran-U.S. nuclear negotiations. Ghaani’s presence highlights the delicate balancing act Iraq faces in maintaining ties with both Iran and the United States. Iraq continues to position itself as a regional mediator despite the conflicting interests of these two powers.
Iraq’s Role as a Regional Mediator
With its complex diplomatic ties to both the U.S. and Iran, Iraq has sought to play a mediator role in the Middle East. The country’s influence is critical in shaping the broader dialogue surrounding regional security, particularly regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and broader Arab-Israeli relations.
The Arab League summit in Baghdad underscores the urgent need for diplomatic solutions in Gaza. With the situation in Gaza worsening and Israel’s military actions intensifying, the summit’s discussions are likely to have significant implications for both the immediate future of the region and the broader Arab-Israeli peace process.
