Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein Receives Phone Call from UK Counterpart to Discuss Regional Crisis Developments and De-escalation Efforts

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mr. Fuad Hussein received a phone call from the British Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs Mr. David Lammy, on Monday, June 16, 2025, in which both sides discussed the rapidly evolving regional developments and ways to avoid further escalation. 

During the call the British Foreign Secretary reaffirmed his country’s support for Iraq’s stability and stressed the importance of keeping Iraq neutral and uninvolved in any attacks or conflicts, underlining the need to contain the situation and prevent any involvement by what he described as “armed groups” in the ongoing conflict.

In addition the British Secretary of State clarified that the United Kingdom has not participated in any military operations and is maintaining continuous communications with France and Germany, in addition to consultations with the United States regarding the war’s developments.

As for the nuclear program, Foreign Secretary Lammy underscored the need to return to the negotiating table and warned of the risks posed by any attacks on U.S. or British forces stationed in the region, regardless of the party responsible, adding that the UK views diplomatic solutions as the only path to prevent further escalation, commending Iraq’s efforts in this regard despite the sensitivity of its geographic location and the complexity of the regional situation.

On his part, Minister Hussein expressed his gratitude for the British Minister’s communication, emphasizing the importance of the UK’s role in calming the situation, whether through the European tripartite cooperation (the UK, France, and Germany) or coordination with the United States.

Minister Hussein indicated that the continuation of the war would have serious repercussions for the region and the world, stressing that “in this war, there are no winners,” and that the ongoing conflict could lead to severe economic crises, particularly if it extends to the Strait of Hormuz, potentially leading to a global economic crisis.

Furthermore, Minister Hussein confirmed that Israel continues to violate Iraqi airspace, and these breaches represent a blatant violation of Iraq’s sovereignty and international law, stressing the need for the international community to take serious steps to stop these violations and to work toward containing the conflict.

Foreign Secretary Lammy, in turn, stated that closing the Strait of Hormuz would trigger a severe economic crisis in Britain and Europe, leading to a rise in inflation levels. In addition he affirmed the necessity of joint efforts to prevent further deterioration and to resolve the crisis through political and diplomatic means.