Iraqi, Iranian FMs hold joint press conference, highlight regional situation

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – On Sunday, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi arrived at Baghdad International Airport for an official visit, where he was received by his Iraqi counterpart, Fuad Hussein.

The two sides held a joint press conference, focusing on the growing regional tensions and the potential for conflict expansion.

During the press conference, Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein expressed concerns about the ongoing conflict and regional tensions and warned of its potential to spread across the region.

Hussein emphasized the danger posed by the continued fighting in Gaza and Lebanon, highlighting that "the ongoing war is dangerous, and its escalation threatens the entire region."

Hussein underscored Iraq’s stance on regional conflicts, asserting, “Iraq’s position is firm; we are against using our airspace as part of any military action. The Iraqi government has not made any decision to engage in war. Such decisions rest with the state and its three authorities.”

He rejected any possibility of Iraq being drawn into the conflict or being used as a conduit for military operations, stating, “This is unacceptable.”

He also warned of the broader consequences of a potential conflict, emphasizing that any escalation could severely impact global energy supplies and disrupt international navigation, leading to a worldwide crisis.

“Our region is facing very serious challenges,” he stated, stressing the precarious nature of the situation and the risk of a full-scale war.

Hussein also called for an end to the Israeli hostilities in Gaza and Lebanon, affirming Iraq's commitment to pursuing peace and supporting ceasefire efforts.

He also highlighted Iraq’s efforts to provide aid to displaced people, saying, “We continue our efforts to deliver aid to the displaced, whether in Lebanon or Syria.”

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, during his address, expressed gratitude towards Iraq for maintaining its stance. “We thank Iraq for not allowing its territory to be used to attack Iran,” he said.

Araghchi emphasized that Iran is not seeking conflict but is working towards regional stability. “Iran is not looking for war and its expansion. We are trying to achieve peace in the region, and the war on Gaza and Lebanon must stop,” he added.

Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said that his country was ready for a "war situation", while insisting that his government wanted peace.

"We are fully prepared for a war situation. We are not afraid of war, but we do not want war, we want peace and we will work for a just peace in Gaza and Lebanon," he said while on a visit to the Iraqi capital.

Araghchi’s visit to Baghdad is reportedly part of a broader Iranian diplomatic initiative to curb regional hostilities and promote ceasefire efforts, particularly in Gaza and Lebanon.

His trip to Iraq is one of several in a series of meetings with regional officials, including those from Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Lebanon.