Iraq’s foreign minister talks Iran protests with Qatari PM

BAGHDAD — Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein held a phone call Sunday with Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani to discuss regional developments, with part of the talks focusing on Iran, Iraq’s Foreign Ministry said.

The ministry said the Jan. 11 call included discussion of “recent developments in the Islamic Republic of Iran” because of what it described as their “direct impact on regional security.”

According to the ministry, the two sides “stressed the importance of exercising restraint and halting acts of violence,” warning of “serious repercussions for the security and stability of the region.” The ministry said they also emphasized “the need to achieve de-escalation through dialogue and peaceful efforts.”

Protests in Iran began on Dec. 28, 2025, triggered by economic pressure and the collapse of the rial, and quickly expanded into nationwide demonstrations challenging the country’s leadership. The U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency has reported at least 544 deaths linked to the unrest, with 579 additional deaths under investigation, and 10,681 arrests. HRANA says the confirmed fatalities include protesters, security forces, children and non-protesting civilians. Iran has imposed wide internet and phone restrictions, limiting independent verification of events on the ground.

U.S. President Donald Trump has warned of possible action against Iran over the crackdown, saying Tehran “wants to negotiate” after he raised the prospect of military and cyber responses. Trump said the U.S. is considering “very strong options” and warned that if Iran retaliates, “we will hit them at levels that they’ve never been hit before.” Iranian officials have rejected foreign pressure and warned that U.S. forces and Israel would be considered “legitimate targets” if intervention occurs.

Full statement:

Fuad Hussein Holds a Phone Call with the Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Qatar to Discuss Regional Developments

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Fuad Hussein, held a telephone call on Sunday, 11 January 2026, with the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the sisterly State of Qatar, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani.

During the call, the two sides discussed bilateral relations between the two brotherly countries and ways to strengthen them across various fields. They also reviewed regional security issues, with particular focus on the security situation and the recent escalation in the city of Aleppo.

Both sides stressed the importance of exercising restraint and halting acts of violence, given their serious repercussions for the security and stability of the region. They emphasized the need to achieve de-escalation through dialogue and peaceful efforts.

The call also addressed recent developments in the Islamic Republic of Iran, as well as the current situation in Yemen, underscoring the importance of closely following these files due to their direct impact on regional security.

At the conclusion of the call, the two sides agreed to intensify communication and joint coordination, closely monitor security developments, and work to limit violence and escalation, in a manner that contributes to strengthening regional stability.