Iraq mediates Iran-Gulf dialogue during OIC summit in Baghdad

During the 52nd session of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) ministerial council in Baghdad, Iraqi and Iranian officials discussed regional stability and diplomatic cooperation. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi met with Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaydi, expressing Tehran’s desire to strengthen bilateral ties across all sectors. Araghchi emphasized the use of diplomacy to prevent insecurity and criticized United States actions for hindering diplomatic paths and destabilizing international maritime security.

Separately, Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein announced that Iraq is working to facilitate a meeting in Baghdad between Iran and Gulf states to bridge differences. This mediation effort follows regional security concerns regarding maritime navigation in the Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz. Hussein also met with OIC Secretary-General Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed to discuss political and economic cooperation.

The OIC session concluded with the adoption of the ‘Baghdad Declaration,’ with the Palestinian cause remaining a central focus of the discussions involving 55 member states and observers.