Iraq’s foreign minister pushes for diplomacy in Israel–Iran conflict during meeting with Iranian counterpart

BAGHDAD– Iraq’s  Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein met with his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi on Saturday, stressing the need for “an immediate halt to Israeli aggression against Iran,” according to a statement from Iraq’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The two officials met on the sidelines of the 51st session of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation. Hussein urged “intensifying collective diplomatic efforts” through international and regional channels and called for “an urgent return to negotiations and political dialogue as the only option to resolve conflicts and avoid disasters.”

Since June 13, Israel and Iran have been engaged in their most direct and extensive military conflict to date. Israel launched Operation Rising Lion, a sweeping air campaign targeting Iranian nuclear facilities, missile infrastructure, and military leadership. Iran retaliated with a barrage of ballistic missiles, striking Israeli cities. Casualty estimates vary, but reports indicate over 430 deaths in Iran, as well as 24 deaths in Israel.

Iraq has officially expressed ‘support’ for Iran amid its conflict with Israel. Iraqi officials have reported multiple violations of their airspace by Israeli planes en route to Iran. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has taken formal action by submitting complaints to the UN Security Council.

Domestically, political groups have echoed this stance. The Shia Coordination Framework—an influential Iraqi political bloc—organized public demonstrations denouncing what they described as “Israeli aggression” and supporting Iran. Iranian- backed Iraqi militias also expressed their support for Iran.

Statement from Iraq’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs:

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Fuad Hussein met on Saturday, June 21, 2025, with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on the sidelines of the 51st session of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, held in Istanbul.

The meeting included a review of the latest regional and international developments, particularly in light of the ongoing Israeli aggression against the Islamic Republic of Iran. The two ministers discussed the consequences of this escalation and its impact on the security and stability of the region, including humanitarian implications and the risk of expanding the conflict.

Fuad Hussein emphasized the need for an immediate halt to Israeli aggression against Iran and the protection of civilians from the consequences of military escalation. He stressed the importance of intensifying collective diplomatic efforts through international and regional channels and called for an urgent return to negotiations and political dialogue as the only option to resolve conflicts and avoid disasters in the region.

The meeting also addressed ways to strengthen bilateral relations between Iraq and Iran, and the importance of continued consultation and coordination on issues of mutual concern, within the framework of mutual understanding and respect for national sovereignty.