Iraq seeks to host talks between Iran and Gulf States in Baghdad

Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein said Sunday that Baghdad is working to organise a meeting between Iran and Gulf states as part of diplomatic efforts to narrow differences and promote regional stability.

Speaking at the conclusion of the 52nd session of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Hussein said Iraq was maintaining contacts with both sides to facilitate dialogue.

“There are ongoing communications between Iraq, the Gulf states, and Iran aimed at bringing their perspectives closer together,” Hussein said, according to the Iraqi News Agency (INA).

“We are working to hold a meeting in Baghdad between Iran and the Gulf states,” he added, without specifying a date or the level of representation expected.

The initiative comes amid regional tensions affecting security and maritime navigation in the Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz.

In a joint statement issued on 25th August, Oman and Iran linked maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz to recent regional conflicts and emphasised the importance of consultations among countries bordering the Gulf.

On the sidelines of the OIC meetings, Hussein held talks with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Sunday to discuss regional developments and prospects for peace, according to the Iraqi Foreign Ministry.

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During the meeting, Hussein reaffirmed Iraq’s support for resolving regional crises through dialogue and diplomatic engagement.

Separately, Hussein announced that the OIC ministerial session had concluded with the adoption of the Baghdad Declaration, following discussions involving 55 countries.

He said the Palestinian issue had been a central focus of the meetings and expressed appreciation for Iraq’s role as host.

“Baghdad was honored to host the 52nd session of the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers,” Hussein said.

OIC Secretary-General Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed also reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to following up on the decisions adopted during the session.

“We will work with Iraq to ensure the implementation of the decisions made during the 52nd  session,” he said.

According to the Iraqi Foreign Ministry, Hussein and Ould Cheikh Ahmed met in Baghdad and agreed to support political and economic initiatives aimed at strengthening cooperation among OIC member states.

Their discussions also addressed steps to implement Iraq’s chairmanship of the Council of Foreign Ministers and strengthen the organisation’s response to political and economic challenges facing member countries.

Iraq hosted the 52nd OIC Council of Foreign Ministers session on 17th–18th October under the theme “Dialogue and Solidarity: Two Fundamental Pillars for Promoting Peace and Sustainable Development.”

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