Minister of Foreign Affairs Discusses Enhancing Security Cooperation and Regional Developments with the U.S. Envoy

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Iraq, H.E. Mr. Fuad Hussein, received on Monday, 23 February 2026, the U.S. Presidential Envoy, Ambassador Thomas Barrack, and his accompanying delegation in Baghdad.

The meeting reviewed the evolving bilateral relations between the Republic of Iraq and the United States and underscored the importance of continuing coordination and joint cooperation at various levels, particularly in the field of counterterrorism.

The U.S. side expressed its appreciation for the significant step taken by the Iraqi government in transferring members of ISIS from detention centers abroad to Iraqi prisons, as part of enhancing Iraq’s sovereignty and assuming its legal responsibilities. For his part, H.E. the Minister affirmed that the Republic of Iraq continues to engage with several countries to repatriate their nationals involved in terrorism-related cases to their countries of origin, commending the approval of the Turkish government to receive Turkish nationals among those elements.

The two sides also discussed the agreement concluded between the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and the Syrian transitional government, expressing their support for the agreement and the need to ensure its implementation, given its direct impact on enhancing security and stability in Syria.

The meeting further addressed Iranian–American relations and the ongoing negotiation track between the two sides. H.E. Mr. Fuad Hussein warned of the dangers of any potential war and its repercussions for the entire region, stressing the Republic of Iraq’s support for the peaceful track and its strong endorsement of the upcoming round of negotiations scheduled to be held in Geneva next Thursday, under Omani mediation, between representatives of the U.S. administration and the Islamic Republic of Iran.

The two sides also discussed at length the process of forming the Iraqi government and the challenges related to the nominations for the positions of Prime Minister and President of the Republic. The U.S. envoy presented the American perspective on this matter, while H.E. the Minister emphasized that government formation in Iraq is an internal matter, taking into consideration the views of international partners—particularly the United States as an allied country—in a manner consistent with the need for any new Iraqi government to engage positively with the policies of other states.

H.E. the Minister stressed the importance of maintaining communication and coordination during the coming period until the process of forming the Iraqi government is completed.