Iraq Offers To Mediate Iran-US Talks As Washington Eases Sanctions On Pilgrimage Flights
Iraq is ready to mediate between Tehran and Washington to prevent another regional war, while the US has agreed to exempt flights carrying religious pilgrims from sanctions, Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein said.
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) - Iraq is prepared to mediate between Iran and the United States as Baghdad seeks to prevent another war in the region, Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein said Friday, while also announcing that Washington had accepted Baghdad’s request to exempt religious pilgrimage flights to Iran from sanctions.
Speaking to Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty in Washington on Friday, Hussein said Iraq does not want another war to erupt in the region and is therefore ready to mediate between the United States and Iran.
The Iraqi foreign minister said Baghdad believes diplomacy is the proper path toward ending wars, stressing that every war ultimately ends through diplomacy.
He also said Iraq has been among the major victims of the war between the United States and Iran, while the parties involved in the conflict have attacked Iraq several times.
Hussein also addressed the Strait of Hormuz, saying Iraq resumed exporting its oil through the waterway three weeks ago.
However, he said Baghdad remains concerned that another war could break out.
Regarding Iraq’s internal security situation, Hussein said negotiations between Prime Minister Ali Al-Zaidi and armed groups are continuing and could result in a new agreement.
He said the groups support the government’s plan, but added that two groups have yet to express their support for it.
US agrees to exempt religious pilgrimage flights from sanctions
In a separate statement, Hussein said the resumption of flights to Iran would support the building of an Iraqi-US partnership based on mutual respect.
In a post on X on Friday, Hussein said he had met with US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent in Washington on Thursday, where they discussed several issues concerning Iraqi-US relations as well as economic and security developments in the region.
Hussein said the meeting also addressed sanctions imposed on Iran and their potential effects on Iraq.
He said the sanctions affecting Najaf International Airport were discussed in depth, given the airport’s importance to Iraq.
Hussein said Bessent accepted Iraq’s request and agreed to exempt flights dedicated to visits to holy sites from the sanctions.
The Iraqi foreign minister expressed Iraq’s appreciation to the United States and the international coalition for the support and sacrifices they provided to Iraqi forces in confronting ISIS.
At the same time, Hussein reaffirmed the government’s commitment to controlling weapons and ensuring that decisions concerning war and peace remain in the hands of the state and its constitutional institutions.
Hussein also welcomed the understanding shown by the US government and Treasury Department regarding the importance of respecting religious freedom and facilitating visitors’ access to holy sites and the resumption of flights serving them.
He said the measure reflects shared values of tolerance and supports the construction of an Iraqi-US partnership based on mutual respect and common interests.