Iraq’s FM warns Pakistani counterpart of serious consequences if force is used

BAGHDAD — Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein warned Monday of “serious consequences for regional and international security” if force is used to open the Strait of Hormuz, in a phone call with Pakistani counterpart Ishaq Dar that covered escalating regional tensions and diplomatic efforts to contain the crisis.

The two ministers reviewed the war’s economic impact on countries including Iraq and Pakistan, and stressed the importance of intensifying diplomatic efforts to prevent the conflict from expanding. Dar briefed Hussein on the outcomes of a recent meeting in Riyadh and the positions of participating countries.

The call also addressed practical fallout from the crisis, with the two sides agreeing to postpone a ministerial meeting of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation that had been scheduled to take place in Baghdad next month.

The call is part of a broader Iraqi diplomatic push that has included contacts with NATO, Turkey and regional partners. National Security Adviser Qassem al-Araji said the government has been conducting outreach with regional and international partners to push for an end to the fighting and a return to dialogue.