Iraq and Iran discuss reopening the Strait of Hormuz and de-escalation
Iraqi Foreign Minister Fawzi Hussein held talks on Monday with his Iranian counterpart, Abbas Araghchi, on developments in the Strait of Hormuz and ongoing efforts to reopen it, and their implications for navigation security and regional stability.
The Iraqi Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement that the two sides discussed during a phone call the latest developments in the Strait of Hormuz over the past two days and their repercussions on maritime navigation and stability in the region.
Hussein welcomed the return to dialogue and diplomacy as the best means of resolving differences, emphasizing that Iraq is closely following developments and hopes to reach understandings that will lead to the reopening of the strait as soon as possible, thereby safeguarding regional security and the stability of the global economy.
He stressed the importance of continued communication and coordination between the two sides, and support for efforts to de-escalate tensions and consolidate dialogue between the United States and Iran.
For his part, Araghchi outlined the latest developments in the current situation and briefed Hussein on ongoing efforts and negotiations aimed at reaching understandings that would contribute to reopening the Strait of Hormuz and ensuring the smooth flow of maritime navigation.
The two ministers also discussed recent military attacks targeting Iraq, stressing the importance of avoiding any steps that could increase tensions, maintaining coordination, and supporting de-escalation efforts, according to the statement.
These communications come amid escalating tensions between the United States and Iran, following a 13-day exchange of military attacks that ended on July 24, during which Washington carried out airstrikes on targets inside Iran, while Tehran announced strikes on U.S. military facilities and equipment in several Arab countries, including Jordan, Bahrain, and Kuwait.
This followed the signing on June 18 of a memorandum of understanding between Washington and Tehran, and their entry into negotiations to reach a final agreement, before the talks stalled due to disagreements over guarantees for the security and freedom of navigation in the Hormuz Strait, one of the most important strategic corridors for global energy supplies and trade.
On February 28, the United States and Israel launched an attack on Iran, which, according to Tehran, resulted in the deaths of more than 3,000 people. Iran retaliated with attacks it said killed Americans and Israelis.
