BAGHDAD, March 16 (Xinhua) -- Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' al-Sudani emphasized on Sunday that de-escalation and dialogue are the most effective paths to resolving crises in a region as sensitive and vital as the Middle East.

He made the remarks amid rising tensions following U.S. military strikes on Yemen's Houthi group.

During a phone conversation with U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, al-Sudani stressed that this approach represents Iraq's consistent position in addressing regional challenges, affirming that Iraq will continue to act in accordance with this principle, according to a statement by al-Sudani's media office.

For his part, Hegseth reviewed developments related to military operations in Yemen, noting that the United States will continue its operations unless the Houthi group stops its attacks on U.S. forces and its disruptions to Red Sea navigation, the statement said.

Both sides also underscored the importance of continued security cooperation within the U.S.-led international coalition to combat the Islamic State (IS) extremist group, the statement said, adding that al-Sudani reiterated Iraq's commitment to protecting international coalition advisors.

Their discussions also addressed "regional security dynamics, particularly the concerning situation in Syria, as both sides expressed their determination to prevent the IS in Syria from posing any threat," the statement noted. Enditem

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