Latest news with #AbdulLatifRashid
The National
a day ago
- Politics
- The National
President Sheikh Mohamed holds talks with President of Iraq
President Sheikh Mohamed on Friday received a phone call from Abdul Latif Rashid, President of Iraq. The two men discussed the latest developments in the Middle East and stressed the importance of enhancing dialogue to find diplomatic solutions to regional issues, state news agency Wam reported. Sheikh Mohamed highlighted the importance of consolidating peace, maintaining security and stability, while Mr Rashid stressed the same. They also discussed the possibility of developing joint action between the UAE and Iraq, before exchanging seasonal greetings for the Islamic New Year. It comes as the Emirates joins the Muslim world in celebrating what is known as Hijri New Year, which heralds the beginning of Muharram, the first of 12 months on the Islamic calendar. On Thursday, Sheikh Mohamed wrote on X: "Congratulations to the people of the UAE and Muslims everywhere on the occasion of Hijri New Year. "I pray that the year ahead brings lasting peace and stability to the region and the world, and advances progress and prosperity for all." Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, also said he hoped the start of the new year would bring "peace, stability and prosperity" in a message on X.
Iraqi News
5 days ago
- Politics
- Iraqi News
Iraq leads diplomatic push to de-escalate Iran-Israel war
Baghdad ( – In the face of a spiraling regional crisis following US and Israeli strikes on Iran, Iraq has launched a high-stakes, two-pronged strategy to protect its own stability and lead a diplomatic push for de-escalation. From emergency leadership meetings in Baghdad to spearheading key initiatives at international conferences in Istanbul, Iraq is actively working to shift from a potential battlefield into a proactive peacemaker. Unifying the home front Hours after US strikes targeted Iranian nuclear sites on Sunday, June 22, 2025, Iraq's top leadership convened for an emergency summit in Baghdad. The meeting brought together the 'Four Presidencies'—President Abdul Latif Rashid, Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al Sudani, Parliament Speaker Mahmoud Al-Mashhadani, and Head of the Supreme Judicial Council Faiq Zidan—along with leaders of the ruling political coalitions. According to informed sources, the urgent session aimed to formulate a unified Iraqi position on the dangerous escalation. The key objectives were to devise measures to protect Iraq from the conflict's fallout and to develop a diplomatic mechanism to 'defuse the crisis,' fearing a slide into a wider regional or even global war. Leading the diplomatic charge in Istanbul While leaders unified at home, Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein led a diplomatic marathon in Istanbul, attending an Emergency Meeting of Arab Foreign Ministers—held at Iraq's request—and the 51st Session of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Council of Foreign Ministers from June 20-22. At these crucial gatherings, Minister Hussein warned that the escalation posed a threat to the entire region, not just Iran, and stressed the need for collective action. He put forward a key proposal: the formation of a joint, open-membership contact committee tasked with opening communication channels to reduce tensions and halt the attacks. This Iraqi initiative was a diplomatic success, first being adopted by the Arab League and subsequently approved by the OIC member states. The final 'Istanbul Declaration' from the OIC condemned the destabilizing attacks on Iran, Syria, and Lebanon, reflecting the core of Iraq's proposal. Minister Hussein reinforced this multilateral effort with a series of vital bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the conferences. He met with: Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan: Discussed both the regional escalation and critical bilateral files, including Iraq's water rights and the resumption of oil exports via Ceyhan. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi: Held two separate meetings to discuss the repercussions of the strikes and the importance of activating the new contact committee. Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdel Aty: Received praise for Iraq's de-escalation initiative. Uzbek and Syrian Counterparts: Discussed the need to end the war and focus on political solutions, with Hussein emphasizing Iraq's direct vulnerability due to its shared border and history with Iran. Through this coordinated domestic and international effort, Iraq is signaling a clear strategic shift. Rather than being a passive victim of regional power plays, Baghdad is actively leveraging its diplomatic relationships in a determined bid to pull the Middle East back from the brink of a devastating, wider conflict.
Iraqi News
6 days ago
- Politics
- Iraqi News
Iraqi leadership holds emergency meeting after US strikes on Iran to form unified stance
Baghdad ( – Iraq's top leadership convened for an expanded emergency meeting in Baghdad on Sunday evening (June 22, 2025) to formulate a unified national position following US airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities. The high-level meeting brought together President Abdul Latif Rashid, Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al Sudani, Parliament Speaker Mahmoud Al-Mashhadani, and Head of the Supreme Judicial Council Faiq Zidan. According to an informed source, leaders of the ruling political coalitions, the Coordination Framework and the State Administration Coalition, also attended. Discussions reportedly focused on the dangerous regional escalation and measures to protect Iraq and its people from the fallout. An informed source told news agencies the key objectives were to develop a diplomatic mechanism to 'defuse the crisis' and reach a unified Iraqi decision to 'stop this war.' The source added that Iraq seeks to align its official position with other regional countries to pressure the United States and the UN Security Council to take necessary action. While photos confirmed the leadership meeting took place, an official statement detailing its outcomes had not yet been released. The emergency session highlights the gravity with which Baghdad views the escalating conflict.
Shafaq News
6 days ago
- Politics
- Shafaq News
Iraq warns against regional war after US hits Iran's nuclear sites
Shafaq News/ On Sunday, Iraq's four presidencies condemned the United States' airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities. The media office of Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani stated that the PM attended a meeting that included President Abdul Latif Rashid, Parliament Speaker Mahmoud Al-Mashhadani, and Supreme Judicial Council President Faiq Zidan. The attendees reviewed recent regional developments and the implications of the ongoing conflict. They stressed Iraq's rejection of any breach of its sovereignty or airspace and voiced support for the government in taking necessary measures to protect national airspace, including pursuing legal action through international institutions to prevent further violations. The four presidencies condemned the attack against Iran, warning that the strike 'represents a serious breach of international laws and norms.' Expressing concern over the targeting of Iran's nuclear sites, they called the act a dangerous escalation that threatens both regional and international peace. The meeting also addressed Iraq's political, economic, and social conditions, and discussed efforts to improve public services and citizens' living standards. They reviewed issues including the funding of salaries for public employees in the Kurdistan Region, the resumption of parliament sessions, the implementation of amendments to the General Amnesty Law, and preparations for the upcoming parliamentary elections on November 11.
Shafaq News
6 days ago
- Politics
- Shafaq News
Iraqi top leaders convene to assess regional fallout
Shafaq News/ On Sunday, Iraq's top authorities convened an emergency meeting to address mounting regional tensions following the recent US airstrikes on nuclear facilities inside Iran. President Abdul Latif Rashid, Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, Parliament Speaker Mahmoud al-Mashhadani, and Supreme Judicial Council head Faiq Zidan attended the closed-door session. No official statement was issued regarding the nature of the discussions or any conclusions reached. With concerns rising over the potential fallout for Iraq, al-Sudani also planned further consultations with leaders of the Shiite Coordination Framework (CF) and the State Administration Coalition (SAC)—an alliance bringing together key Shiite, Sunni, and Kurdish political forces. These talks are intended to evaluate the implications of the regional escalation on Iraq's security and political environment.
