Published on 6/28/2026
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Last update: 15:02 (Mecca time)
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi arrived on Sunday morning in the Iraqi capital, Baghdad, on an official visit at the head of a diplomatic delegation, in light of the escalating security tensions taking place in the region.
In a joint press conference with his Iraqi counterpart, Fouad Hussein, Araqchi expressed his appreciation for Baghdad’s positions in condemning the attack on his country, stressing Tehran’s insistence on continuing strategic cooperation with the Iraqi government in the economic and security fields.
The Iranian Foreign Minister stressed the need for the memorandum of understanding not to be derailed, stressing that “its first clause is to stop the war on all fronts, including Lebanon,” and demanding the withdrawal of Israeli forces from the lands they occupy in Lebanon, considering that it is the responsibility of the American government.
He added that the Strait of Hormuz is under Iran’s management, and after removing the obstacles, things will return to normal, indicating that there is no responsibility for any party in the work of the Strait, and anything other than that violates the memorandum of understanding with Washington.
For his part, Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein stressed that the visit is of great importance in light of the signing of the memorandum of understanding with Washington, stressing that ending the war represents a “priority for everyone.”
Hussein explained that his country was harmed economically and financially as a result of the closure of the Strait of Hormuz and the cessation of the flow of oil, calling for a meeting that includes the Gulf states, Iraq and Iran, stressing at the same time that the security of the region must be the responsibility of its peoples and countries.
The Iraqi minister expressed his country’s regret that the Islamic Republic of Iran was exposed to attacks, stressing that the basis of Baghdad’s policy is to reject war and solve problems through dialogue.
Visit agenda
The Iraqi News Agency reported, citing government sources, that the visit’s agenda will include a series of direct meetings with senior Iraqi officials, led by the President of the Republic, Nizar Amidi, and the Prime Minister, Ali al-Zaidi.
The discussions are scheduled to focus on strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries, in addition to exchanging views on the rapid regional and international developments, and the Iranian-American agreement.
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman, Ismail Baghaei, confirmed that the visit comes within the framework of continuous coordination with the Iraqi authorities on issues of common concern, and to discuss ways to calm the situation in the region.
In parallel with the political consultations, Iranian sources reported that the visit’s agenda also includes coordination with the relevant Iraqi authorities regarding holding a memorial service for the late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei at the holy shrines in Iraq.
This visit – the time limit of which has not been set – comes in light of a renewed military escalation between the United States and Iran that witnessed an exchange of strikes on Saturday and Sunday, despite engaging in negotiations aimed at ending the war that broke out on February 28 as a result of the American-Israeli attack on Iran.
