FM Fuad Hussein Receives New U.S. Chargé d’Affaires and Discusses Latest Developments in Iraq and the Region

Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Iraq, H.E. Mr. Fuad Hussein, received, on Thursday, 3 September 2026, in Baghdad, the new U.S. Chargé d’Affaires to the Republic of Iraq, H.E. Ambassador Steven Fagin, in the presence of Deputy Chief of Mission Arne Nottinen and Senior Counselor Ali Hassoun.

At the outset of the meeting, H.E. the Minister welcomed H.E. Ambassador Fagin and the accompanying delegation, wishing him success in his duties. For his part, H.E. the U.S. Chargé d’Affaires expressed his thanks and appreciation for the warm reception and congratulated H.E. the Minister on the renewed confidence placed in him as Foreign Minister in the new government.

The meeting addressed developments in Iraq’s political landscape and the process of completing the formation of the government, as well as political and security developments, including the steps being taken by the Iraqi Government to ensure that arms remain exclusively in the hands of the state.

The two sides also discussed Iraqi political developments and the upcoming foreign visits of H.E. the Prime Minister, within the framework of Iraq’s foreign relations and its keenness to enhance communication with its regional and international partners.

The two sides exchanged views on Iraq’s relations with the Gulf States and neighboring countries in the post-U.S.-Iran war phase, and the repercussions of the war and subsequent developments on the regional situation and relations, in addition to a number of regional issues and developments of mutual interest.

The meeting also addressed perspectives on the future of regional coordination and potential forms of communication and coordination among the countries of the region, in a manner that contributes to enhancing stability and addressing common challenges.

On the economic front, H.E. the Minister noted that Iraq has been affected by the repercussions of the war in the region and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, explaining that the Iraqi economy relies primarily on oil exports, with the associated revenues representing a major source of the national economy, making oil exports vulnerable to regional developments.

The two sides also discussed the new and tightened U.S. economic sanctions imposed on Iran and their potential repercussions for Iraq, particularly in light of the existing trade links and relations between the two countries.