Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein Receives Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in Baghdad

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mr. Fuad Hussein, received the Foreign Minister of the Islamic Republic of Iran Mr. Abbas Araghchi, at the Foreign Ministry’s headquarters in Baghdad, on Sunday, October 13, 2024.

During the meeting the two sides held a bilateral discussion that addressed ways to enhance relations between the two countries, in addition to highlighting regional and international developments. The meeting also touched on the consequences of the military escalation in the region especially in Gaza and Lebanon.

In a joint press conference Minister Fuad Hussein explained that the region is going through a critical stage and faces fateful challenges, noting that the aggression of the Israeli entity on Gaza is continuing, while the attacks have extended to Lebanon, especially in Beirut and southern Lebanon, which has led to the displacement of tens of thousands towards Beirut and the north of the country, in addition to, some of them crossing into Syria, while a number of refugees have reached Iraqi territory. The Minister added that the Iraqi government, headed by Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’a Al Sudani, and in cooperation with the Iraqi people has opened its doors to receive Lebanese refugees, affirming that these refugees are guests of Iraq. Minister Hussein, underlined the immense people’s solidarity with Lebanon, as donation convoys were sent across the Syrian border to help refugees who have taken refuge in Syria.

Furthuremore, the Minister warned of the threats of continuation of war, and its expansion in the region, indicating that the escalation could lead to a direct threat to the Islamic Republic of Iran, and create the environment for possible attacks against it. He also stressed that the Israeli threats aims to bring Iraq into the conflict arena.
The Minister expressed his categorical rejection of exploiting Iraqi airspace as part of the military space, noting that Iraq is working in coordination with the countries of the region to avoid the specter of war, he outlined that the Iraqi decision regarding war and peace is strictly limited to the constitutional authorities, according to Article 61 of the constitution, which grants the Council of Representatives the power to declare war and a state of emergency by a two-thirds majority, based on a joint request from the President of the Republic and the Prime Minister.

The Minister also indicated that the continuation of the war in the region will destabilize regional security and give terrorist organizations such as Da’esh an opportunity to regroup and launch new attacks, which poses a threat to security and peace in the region.

Additionally, Minister Hussein warned that the outbreak of war will affect vital shipping lanes, such as the Strait of Hormuz, which may threaten the stability of the global energy market and cause an international economic crisis. At the end of his speech Minister Hussein called for an immediate stop of the war and achieving a truce that includes Gaza and Lebanon, with the necessity of providing the necessary support to the Lebanese and Palestinian people.

On his part the Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, affirmed that “Iran is against escalation and supports peace in the region.” He added: The region faces serious challenges, and I came to Baghdad to discuss sensitive issues with friends.

Minister Araghchi, indicated that Iran is working to coordinate with its regional partners to cease fire, saying: We agreed to continue consultations and seek to achieve peace.

The Iranian Foreign Minister also expressed his regret for the international community’s lack of interest in the situation of the displaced, explaining that “what is happening in Lebanon is similar to what we are witnessing in Gaza,” noting that “aid has not reached those in need in sufficient quantities.” 

At the end of his statement Minister Araghchi thanked the Iraqi government and people for receiving the displaced and delivering aid, stating : I am happy with the firm Iraqi stance that prevents the exploitation of Iraqi airspace against Iran or any other country.