Iraq backs US-Iran talks in Oman, urges dialogue over violence

BAGHDAD — Iraq supports negotiations between Iran and the United States scheduled to take place in Oman on Friday, Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein said Thursday, stressing the need to resolve regional disputes through dialogue rather than violence.

“Keeping the region away from the flames of war is a duty for all countries,” Hussein said at a joint news conference with French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot.

The talks in Muscat will focus on Tehran’s nuclear program after both sides agreed to the venue following earlier disputes over location and agenda. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the talks would begin around 10 a.m. Friday.

Hussein praised security, military and intelligence coordination between Iraq and France, as well as cooperation in combating human trafficking. He said the Defense Ministry signed a contract with French company Thales to purchase military radars and welcomed French participation in the 49th Baghdad International Fair.

On Syria, Hussein said instability there “negatively affects the situation in the region and Iraq,” adding, “We support the agreement between Damascus and the SDF because instability there could affect our situation.”

Barrot said France supports holding the third Baghdad Conference and called Iraq’s stability “necessary” and its recovery “a source of hope in the region.”

He said France “supports diplomatic efforts in light of the tensions the region is witnessing and the existing risk of military escalation,” adding that “Iraq plays a major role in receiving ISIS detainees and we support this position.”