Iraq foreign minister, US Chargé d’Affaires discuss government formation

BAGHDAD — Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Fuad Hussein met with the Chargé d’Affaires of the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad on Monday, as discussions focused on Iraq’s political process and efforts to form a new government.

According to a statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Iraq, the meeting covered “bilateral relations between Iraq and the U.S., along with avenues to enhance them in a way that serves mutual interests and bilateral cooperation across various political, economic, and security fields.”

Hussein addressed the government formation process, referring to “the ongoing political developments in Iraq and the constructive discussions among political blocs aimed at forming a new government.” He also stressed “the importance of consolidating political stability and enhancing national understanding thereby positively contributing to the democratic process.”

The talks came as Iraq moves into the constitutional phase of forming its next government following the Federal Supreme Court’s ratification of the final results of the 2025 parliamentary elections. The Supreme Judicial Council said the timeline began on Dec. 14, 2025, requiring the new Council of Representatives to convene its first session and elect a speaker and two deputies within 15 days, setting a deadline of Dec. 29.

Under the process outlined by the council, parliament must then elect a president of the republic within 30 days of its first session, after which the president is required to name a prime minister-designate within 15 days. The Federal Supreme Court said its ruling ratifying the election results was “final and binding on all authorities,” following the completion of all electoral appeals related to the Nov. 11 vote.

Full statement:

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Iraq Receives the Chargé d’Affaires of the United States Embassy in Baghdad

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, H.E. Mr. Fuad Hussein, received on Monday, 15 December 2025, the Chargé d’Affaires of the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad, H.E. Ambassador Joshua Harris.

During the meeting, bilateral relations between Iraq and the U.S. were discussed, along with avenues to enhance them in a way that serves mutual interests and bilateral cooperation across various political, economic, and security fields.

H.E the Minister referred to the ongoing political developments in Iraq and the constructive discussions among political blocs aimed at forming a new government, emphasizing the importance of consolidating political stability and enhancing national understanding thereby positively contributing to the democratic process.

The two sides also discussed regional and international developments and exchanged views on issues of mutual interest, underscoring the importance of coordination and consultation in addressing current challenges.

Both parties stressed the need for de-escalation in the region and continued efforts to reduce tensions in order to support regional security and stability.