Latest news with #FuadHussein
Iraqi News
4 days ago
- Politics
- Iraqi News
Iraq's diplomatic offensive: how Baghdad led the charge to de-escalate a regional war
Baghdad ( – As the Middle East teetered on the brink of a wider conflagration following Israeli and US strikes on Iran, Iraq shifted its historical role from a theater of conflict to a proactive diplomatic leader. Through a swift and calculated initiative, Baghdad successfully unified Arab and Islamic ranks to de-escalate tensions, a move analysts are calling a hallmark of a new, 'productive diplomacy' for the nation. This diplomatic offensive was formalized in Istanbul during an emergency meeting of Arab Foreign Ministers—held at Iraq's request—and the subsequent 51st Session of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Council of Foreign Ministers from June 20-22, 2025. There, Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein tabled a specific, actionable proposal: the formation of a joint, open-membership 'Ministerial Contact Committee' to open channels of communication and manage the crisis collectively. In a significant diplomatic victory for Baghdad, the proposal was adopted first by the Arab League and then by the OIC. The Iraqi initiative was framed as both a moral and strategic necessity. MP Alia Nassif stated the move was crucial to highlight what she termed Israel's disregard for international law, stripping its 'brazen aggression' of any international legitimacy. Fellow MP Ruqayya Rahim Al-Nouri described the initiative as more than a typical diplomatic gesture, calling it the 'nucleus of a sustainable Islamic coordination front' that revives the concept of collective deterrence and sends a clear message that an attack on one Muslim state will be met with a unified position. Political analysts noted that this successful maneuver was not an isolated event. Political researcher Saadoun Al-Saadi explained that the initiative is a continuation of Iraq's concerted policy over the last two years to reposition itself as a 'center for diplomacy' in the region. Analyst Ghalib Al-Da'ami added that the positive reception from other nations was a direct result of the 'significant improvement in relations between Iraq and other Arab and Islamic countries,' which allowed Baghdad's call for unity to be embraced. This approach was based on a dual principle, according to analyst Ahmed Al-Wandi. 'Iraq started from the principle of rejecting aggression against Iran, while at the same time, it sent out calls for calm, believing that dialogue and diplomacy are the only ways to preserve the region's stability,' he said. Al-Wandi asserts that this clear, early stance from Baghdad influenced other nations and created the political pressure that was instrumental in pushing the parties toward an eventual ceasefire. In a moment of profound regional crisis, Baghdad chose not to remain on the sidelines. Instead, it moved to shape the response, unify the message, and lead a charge for de-escalation, marking a significant evolution in its role as a key player in Middle Eastern stability.
Shafaq News
5 days ago
- Politics
- Shafaq News
Iraq's FM holds talks with Arab and European counterparts
Shafaq News/ Iraq's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Fuad Hussein, held a series of phone calls on Monday with the prime minister of a Gulf state and four Arab and European foreign ministers, discussing the escalating conflict in the region and its potential repercussions. According to a statement from the Iraqi Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Hussein received calls from his counterparts in Egypt, Jordan, Bulgaria, and Oman, as well as the Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Qatar, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani. The discussions focused on the fast-moving developments across the region and the heightened risk to its security and stability. All parties emphasized the need to prioritize dialogue and diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions and prevent the conflict from expanding further. In his call with Qatar's Prime Minister, Hussein addressed the recent missile attack on the Gulf state, expressing concern and inquiring about the safety of the situation on the ground. Both sides stressed the importance of containing the crisis through peaceful means.
Iraqi News
5 days ago
- Politics
- Iraqi News
Iraq FM discusses Iran attack with Qatar PM
Baghdad ( – Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein held a phone call with Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, Qatar's Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, to discuss the recent Iranian attack on the Al-Udeid Air Base in Qatar, which hosts U.S. forces. The call focused on the security situation in Qatar, with both sides exchanging reassurances about current conditions and emphasizing the importance of coordination to prevent further regional escalation. They underscored the need for continued dialogue and diplomatic efforts to contain the crisis and avoid broader instability. The conversation follows widespread condemnation from Iraq, Qatar, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia over the Iranian strike, which marks a sharp increase in regional tensions. The Iranian strike prompted the temporary closure of airspace in several countries, including Qatar, Iraq, the UAE, Bahrain, and Kuwait, disrupting flights and daily life across the Gulf region.
Shafaq News
6 days ago
- Politics
- Shafaq News
Iraqi FM calls for regional committee to defuse crisis
Shafaq News/ Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein proposed the creation of an open-membership regional committee to facilitate dialogue and de-escalation in the Middle East. According to a statement from the Iraqi Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Hussein took part in the June 20 emergency meeting of Arab foreign ministers—held at Iraq's request—to discuss the implications of the Israeli attacks on Iranian territory. He also headed Iraq's delegation at the 51st session of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), held in Istanbul from June 21 to 22. During his remarks, Hussein warned that the ongoing Israeli escalation poses a serious threat not only to Iran but to the security and stability of the entire region. He urged Arab and Islamic states to take collective action to pressure international powers and develop joint initiatives to halt the crisis. As part of his initiative, Hussein proposed the formation of a joint regional committee with open membership, designed to maintain communication between regional states and help defuse tensions through dialogue. The final communiqué of the emergency Arab meeting condemned the Israeli assault and called for an immediate cessation of hostilities and a return to diplomacy. It also endorsed Hussein's proposal to form a committee under the framework of the OIC. The proposal was later presented at the OIC ministerial meeting, where it gained approval from member states. Hussein also emphasized the gravity of the continuing escalation, including the attacks on Gaza, and Iran, and repeated violations of Iraqi airspace, calling for concrete measures to prevent further destabilization in the region. السيد فؤاد حسين يُفعّل تحرّكاً دبلوماسياً في إسطنبول لاحتواء التصعيد ويبحث الملفات الإقليمية والمشتركة في اجتماعات ثنائية – وزارة الخارجية العراقية — وزارة الخارجية العراقية (@Iraqimofa) June 23, 2025
Iraqi News
6 days ago
- Politics
- Iraqi News
Iraq, Iran address consequences of ongoing Israeli assault
Baghdad ( – The Iraqi Minister of Foreign Affairs, Fuad Hussein, and the Iranian Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, discussed on Saturday the latest regional and international developments, particularly Israel's ongoing aggression against Iran. The two ministers met on the sidelines of their participation in the 51st session of the Council of Foreign Ministers from the member states of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), which was held in Istanbul, Turkey. The two ministers reviewed the ramifications of the escalation between Iran and Israel and its impact on regional security and stability, particularly humanitarian effects and the possible expansion of the war, according to a statement released by the Iraqi Foreign Ministry. Hussein called for putting an end immediately to Israel's aggression against Iran and protecting people from the consequences of military escalation. Hussein called for enhancing diplomatic cooperation through both international and regional channels. He also advocated for a prompt return to the negotiating table, viewing it as the sole means to address concerns and avert further tragedies in the region. The meeting also addressed strategies to strengthen bilateral relations between Iraq and Iran, as well as the need to continue to coordinate on issues of shared interest.
