Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein Calls for Urgent Arab Action and Conducts Intensive Diplomatic Contacts to Prevent a Regional Conflict

As part of ongoing efforts by the Foreign Ministry to contain the escalating crisis in the region—particularly in light of the growing tensions following the military attack on the Islamic Republic of Iran—Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mr. Fuad Hussein held a series of high-level diplomatic contacts and meetings with a number of foreign ministers and international officials. These efforts aim to address the escalation, mobilize regional and international support for de-escalation, and prevent the region from sliding into further instability.

Minister Hussein received phone calls from several counterparts, including the Foreign Ministers of Egypt, Mr. Badr Abdelatty; Jordan, Mr. Ayman Safadi; Turkey, Mr. Hakan Fidan; and France, Mr. Jean-Noël Barrot. He also received in Baghdad the U.S. Chargé d’Affaires, Ambassador Steven Fagin, along with his accompanying delegation.

On Wednesday, June 18, 2025, Minister Hussein held a phone call with Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty, during which they exchanged views on the latest regional developments and the fast-moving situation regarding the ongoing war against Iran. In this context, Minister Hussein called for an emergency meeting of Arab foreign ministers, to be held on the sidelines of the upcoming Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Summit scheduled in Istanbul early next week.

As well Minister Hussein received a call from Jordan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates, Mr. Ayman Safadi. The two ministers discussed the implications of the continued escalation, particularly following the Israeli attack on Iran, and the resulting threats to regional security and stability.

In addition, they reviewed preparations for the OIC foreign ministers’ meeting in Istanbul and stressed the importance of coordinating positions among member states to adopt a unified Islamic stance toward the crisis. They also discussed the proposal to hold an emergency meeting of Arab foreign ministers during the OIC conference.

Minister Hussein further received a phone call from Turkish Foreign Minister Mr. Hakan Fidan, as they reviewed the latest military escalations and changes in positions of some countries towards the crisis. Both sides emphasized the importance of the upcoming OIC conference given the region’s sensitive circumstances and the need to enhance Islamic coordination to prevent further deterioration.

On Tuesday, June 17, 2025, Minister Hussein received a phone call from French Foreign Minister Mr. Jean-Noël Barrot. The call touched on the grave consequences of the attack on Iran, with both parties stressing the importance of the European role—particularly France, the United Kingdom, and Germany—in pushing for an immediate ceasefire and a return to dialogue.

In the same context, Minister Hussein received U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Ambassador Steven H. Fagin in Baghdad. The two sides discussed the regional and international security implications of the ongoing military escalation, along with its negative impact on the global economy.

Minister Hussein reaffirmed Iraq’s clear position rejecting the use of its airspace for any military operations, and called for full respect of Iraq’s sovereignty and neutrality, emphasizing that Iraq must not be drawn into regional conflicts. Ambassador Fagin reiterated that the United States has refrained from participating in the attacks on Iran and confirmed Washington’s commitment to efforts aimed at preventing further escalation.

These diplomatic efforts reflect Iraq’s proactive approach to preventing a broader conflict, containing the crisis, and emphasizing political solutions as the only path to ensuring the security.