Iraqi, Iranian foreign ministers discuss nuclear talks as E3-Iran talks resume

BAGHDAD — Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein and his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi held a phone call Friday to discuss ongoing negotiations in Turkey between Iran and the E3—the United Kingdom, France, and Germany—according to a statement from Iraq’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The July 25 conversation covered key developments in the talks aimed at resolving longstanding disputes between Iran and European powers. The ministry said the ministers also “discussed the obstacles impeding the revival of talks between Iran and the United States.”

On the same day, Iranian and E3 officials met at the Iranian consulate in Istanbul to address the future of the 2015 nuclear deal. The meeting came in the wake of Israeli and U.S. strikes targeting Iranian nuclear and military sites in June, as well as Tehran’s decision to suspend cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency.

European officials have warned they may activate the snapback mechanism to reinstate UN sanctions by the end of August if no progress is made. Iranian diplomats criticized the E3’s position but agreed to continue consultations in the coming weeks.

Full statement from Iraqi Foreign ministry:

On Friday, July 25, 2025, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Fuad Hussein received a phone call from the Iranian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Abbas Araghchi.

The discussion focused on enhancing bilateral relations between Iraq and Iran, as well as reviewing key regional and international developments of shared concern.

The two ministers exchanged views on the ongoing negotiations in Turkey between Iran and the E3 (the United Kingdom, France, and Germany), and discussed the obstacles impeding the revival of talks between Iran and the United States.

They also addressed the dire humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip, marked by severe famine and deteriorating living conditions. Both sides underscored the urgent need for stronger international efforts to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza and emphasized the importance of coordinated action in international forums in support of the Palestinian cause.