Minister Fuad Hussein Calls for an End to Aggression Against Iran and Gaza and Proposes Arab-Islamic Follow-Up Committee to De-escalate Tensions at 51st OIC Session in Istanbul

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mr. Fuad Hussein, delivered Iraq’s statement during the 51st Session of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), held in Istanbul on Saturday, June 21, 2025. The session focused on the escalating crisis in the Middle East, with particular attention to the Israeli aggression against the Gaza Strip and the Islamic Republic of Iran.

At the opening of his statement, Minister Hussein emphasized that this meeting comes at a time of unprecedented tension in the region, as a result of the continued Israeli attacks, which requires urgent need for concrete and effective measures to stop the aggression and prevent a wider regional crisis whose repercussions could extend to the entire world.

Minister Hussein underscored that Israel holds full responsibility for the ongoing escalation in the region, calling for urgent international action to end the war of genocide against the Palestinian people in Gaza. In addition, the Minister urged the UN Security Council to adopt a binding resolution that would immediately halt the aggression and allow for the swift delivery of urgent humanitarian aid to the besieged Strip.

Reaffirming Iraq’s longstanding and principled position, the Minister reiterated Iraq’s unwavering support for the Palestinian cause and the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination and the establishment of an independent state with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital.

Regarding the Israeli aggression on Iran, Minister Hussein expressed Iraq’s deep concern over the repeated violations of regional airspace, including Iraqi airspace, warning of unpredictable consequences, as well he highlighted the grave risk posed by attacks targeting religious leaders or nuclear facilities, warning that such actions could spark widespread chaos and destabilize the entire region.

In addition, Minister Hussein specifically warned that any strike on Iran’s nuclear facilities could lead to a humanitarian and environmental disaster, impacting all neighboring countries, calling for the implementation of the 1995 NPT Review Conference resolution on establishing a nuclear-weapon-free zone in the Middle East.

Minister Hussein also expressed Iraq’s categorical rejection of the use of its airspace for settling regional scores, noting that the partial closure of Iraqi airspace has caused severe economic losses and stranded many Iraqi citizens abroad, as well the Minister called on neighboring countries to consider the humanitarian implications and help facilitate the return of those affected.

In a key part of his statement, Minister Hussein revealed that Iraq had formally proposed during the emergency meeting of Arab foreign ministers held the previous day in Istanbul, the formation of an Arab-Islamic follow-up committee, the committee would engage with the United States, European countries, and the Islamic Republic of Iran to explore paths for de-escalation and risk reduction. The Minister called on OIC member states to support this initiative in a practical and constructive manner.

Furthermore, the Minister indicated that Iraq as Chair of the current Arab League Summit, remains committed to advancing dialogue and negotiations, particularly between Iran and the United States, reaffirming Iraq’s belief that dialogue is the only viable path to halting the escalation, saving lives, and avoiding a devastating regional war.

At the end of his statement, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister called for enhanced Islamic cooperation in the areas of economy, trade, and environmental sustainability, pointing to ongoing Iraqi initiatives, such as electricity grid integration projects with the Gulf states, Jordan, and Turkey, and encouraged joint action to address climate change, water scarcity, and desertification.

Finally, he expressed Iraq’s aspiration—on behalf of its government and people—to host the next session of the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers in Baghdad