Iraq welcomes US-Iran ceasefire, calls for dialogue

BAGHDAD — Iraq’s Foreign Ministry welcomed the announcement of a ceasefire between the United States and Iran on Tuesday, calling it an opportunity to reduce tensions and urging full commitment to the truce and a transition to sustained diplomatic dialogue.

The ministry expressed support for efforts aimed at containing crises and prioritizing “the language of dialogue and diplomacy,” stressing “the importance of full commitment to the ceasefire” and calling on all parties to refrain from “any practices or escalations that may return tension to the regional scene.”

It urged building on the development by launching “serious and sustainable” dialogue tracks to address the root causes of disputes and “enhance mutual trust,” reaffirming Iraq’s commitment to a balanced diplomatic approach and its role in supporting regional and international peace.

The ceasefire, a temporary two-week agreement reached shortly before a U.S. deadline for further strikes, includes steps toward reopening the Strait of Hormuz and is expected to be followed by negotiations mediated by Pakistan. The conflict began in late February when U.S. and Israeli forces struck Iranian military sites and infrastructure, triggering Iranian missile and drone responses across the region that drew in multiple countries and severely disrupted global energy routes — with Iraq among the most acutely affected, losing access to its main southern export terminals and seeing Iranian gas supplies cut off.