Iraq on Sunday offered to host a regional summit bringing together Gulf Arab states and Iran in a renewed diplomatic effort to ease tensions and promote stability across the Middle East, positioning Baghdad as a key mediator between regional rivals.

Speaking at a joint press conference in Baghdad alongside Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein said Iraq is prepared to host talks focused on regional security and ending the ongoing conflict.

"Iraq is ready to host the Gulf states to discuss regional security and ways to end the war," Hussein said, adding that "the security of the region should be the responsibility of its own peoples."
The initiative comes as a fragile memorandum of understanding between Iran and the United States faces mounting pressure, with both sides accusing each other of violating the ceasefire through continued military activity and tensions around the strategically important Strait of Hormuz.

Hussein described Araghchi's visit as particularly significant following the recent U.S.-Iran agreement, noting that military confrontations have continued despite the ceasefire.

The Iraqi foreign minister said the two sides discussed the consequences of the recent conflict for Iraq, including attacks on Iraqi territory and the suspension of Iraqi oil exports after the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

"The closure of the Strait of Hormuz halted the flow of Iraqi oil, affecting Iraq's financial and economic situation," Hussein said.
Reaffirming Baghdad's longstanding policy of resolving disputes through dialogue rather than military confrontation, Hussein expressed regret over recent U.S. strikes on Iran and emphasized Iraq's role in facilitating communication between Washington and Tehran.

"Our relations with both the United States and Iran are excellent, and we are ready to work with both sides to end the war," he said, thanking Araghchi for keeping Iraqi officials informed throughout negotiations with Washington.
For his part, Araghchi said his visit was intended to express gratitude to the Iraqi government and people for their support and condemnation of attacks against Iran, while reaffirming Tehran's commitment to expanding strategic cooperation with Baghdad.

He said the U.S.-Iran memorandum provides for a ceasefire across all fronts, particularly in Lebanon, and called for an immediate end to Israeli military operations there. Araghchi also urged Israel to withdraw from territories it occupies in Lebanon, arguing that ensuring such a withdrawal is the responsibility of the United States.

Addressing the Strait of Hormuz, Araghchi insisted that no external party should interfere in its administration.

"Hormuz is under Iran's administration, and after the obstacles are removed, the situation will return to normal," he said, adding that any attempt to alter the current arrangements would violate the memorandum reached with Washington.
Araghchi said he also briefed Hussein on the latest developments in Iran's negotiations with the United States and discussions surrounding the Strait of Hormuz, while thanking Iraq for what he described as its supportive position toward the Iranian people.

He added that another purpose of his visit was to coordinate with Iraqi authorities regarding arrangements for the funeral procession of Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, at Iraq's holy shrines.