Iran welcomes Iraq-proposed dialogue between Tehran, GCC states
Iraqi PM backs diplomacy to end regional conflicts
Iran’s top diplomat said Iran welcomes an Iraqi proposal for dialogue between Tehran and the Persian Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states in line with establishing a new regional security framework for the Persian Gulf that excludes external powers.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi made the remarks during a press conference with his Iraqi counterpart Fuad Hussein in Iraq’s capital Baghdad where he also held talks with the country’s president and prime minister.
His remarks came as a recent aggression by the United States and Israel against Iran has damaged relations between Tehran and the Persian Gulf Arab states after Iran forced to launched attacks on the US military bases in those countries in response to the aggression.
"We talked about the security of the region, the security structure of the region and its future," Araghchi said.
"The recent war has had many lessons for all the countries of the region, and I believe that with the new approach that has been created, the security of the important Persian Gulf region must be reconsidered by all the countries of the region and that we should reach a new framework which includes all the countries of the region without the presence and interference of any country from outside."
“In this regard, we welcome the proposal of Mr. Fuad Hussein to establish dialogues between the countries of the Persian Gulf Cooperation Council, Iran, and Iraq – which he referred to as ‘6+2’," the Iranian foreign minister said.
Following the aggression against Iran in February, Iran’s Armed Forces targeted the US military bases in regional countries and restricted transit through the Strait of Hormuz, responsible for a fifth of global oil demand.
However, Tehran and Washington signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on June 18 following a series of mediated negotiations, which calls for an immediate and permanent cessation of military operations and continued diplomatic engagement between the two sides.
Challenge to Hormuz routes ups tensions
Araghchi warned that any attempt to bypass the Strait of Hormuz routes agreed with the United States would "increase tensions" in the region.
"Any attempt to adopt new or separate arrangements compared to what is underway by the Islamic Republic of Iran, will only lead to more complicated situations and delays in the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, and will increase the tensions," the Iranian foreign minister said.
"I urge all parties... to adhere to the memorandum of understanding and not to allow this MoU to deviate from its course."
Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi in a separate meeting with Iranian top diplomat said Baghdad strongly supports dialogue and diplomacy to end the ongoing tensions and establish stability in the region.
Araghchi once again affirmed Iran's steadfast support for Iraq and emphasized the importance of continued coordination to enhance bilateral relations and cooperation in various fields.
The Iranian foreign minister also held a meeting with Iraqi President Nizar Amedi.