Minister Fuad Hussein Continues Extensive Diplomatic Efforts to De-escalate Regional Tensions and Warns Against Impact of Closing Hormuz Strait on Regional Security and Global Economy

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mr. Fuad Hussein continues his active diplomatic engagement amid rapidly evolving developments in the Middle East. On June 14, 2025, he held a series of phone calls with the foreign ministers of several brotherly and friendly countries, including His Highness Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia; His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the United Arab Emirates; and Germany’s Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr. Johann Wadephul. 

During these calls, Minister Hussein discussed the latest regional developments, particularly following the Israeli military attack on the territory of the Islamic Republic of Iran—an act that is considered as a grave violation of international law and a breach of the sovereignty of neighboring states, chief among them Iraq.

The Minister emphasized the urgent need for the international community to take a clear and firm stance against such violations, affirming that continued military escalation does not serve regional stability and may instead ignite a broader conflict with severe security and economic consequences. 

The Minister noted that the unlawful targeting of Iran undermines ongoing negotiations related to its nuclear program—efforts that require serious international support, not only between Iran and the United States but also with European partners.

In his conversation with the German Foreign Minister, Minister Hussein cautioned that the continuation of military operations may lead to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which could result in the loss of up to five million barrels per day of oil exports from the Gulf and Iraq. He warned that this could drive oil prices to $200–300 per barrel, exacerbating the global inflation crisis and negatively impacting both producing and importing countries, including Iraq.

In his calls with his Saudi and Emirati counterparts, Minister Hussein stressed that the escalation poses a threat not only to Iran but to the entire region, risking a slide into a new cycle of conflict, calling for combining efforts and strengthening regional and international coordination to prevent the situation from worsening and to return to political and diplomatic tracks.

Both the Iraqi-UAE and Iraqi-Saudi sides agreed on the importance of continued consultation and mutual understanding, and the need to intensify diplomatic coordination to help de-escalate tensions and contain the crisis before it spirals out of control.

In the same context, Minister Fuad Hussein instructed the Iraqi delegation participating in the emergency session of the UN Security Council—held under the presidency of Guyana to discuss the Israeli attack on Iran—to strongly condemn the aggression and the blatant violation of Iraqi airspace. In addition the Minister described it as a clear breach of Iraq’s sovereignty and a serious violation of international law and the UN Charter.

 As well the Minister warned that such actions pose a direct threat to Iraq’s security and the stability of the region, underscoring the need for the Security Council to assume its responsibilities and take the necessary measures to ensure respect for Iraq’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.