WANA (Jun 29) – Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi arrived in Baghdad for his first official visit since Iraq’s new government took office, holding a series of meetings with the country’s top officials to discuss the future of bilateral relations, regional security, the situation in the Strait of Hormuz, and coordination for the funeral ceremonies of Iran’s martyred leader in Iraq.

 

Leading a high-level diplomatic delegation, Araghchi described the visit as serving four main objectives: expressing gratitude for Iraq’s government and public support for Iran, congratulating Baghdad’s new administration, coordinating preparations for the funeral ceremonies to be held in Baghdad, Kadhimiya, Najaf, and Karbala, and reviewing the broader framework of bilateral cooperation.

 

Strengthening Relations with Iraq’s New Government

Speaking at a joint press conference with Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein, Araghchi reaffirmed Tehran’s determination to deepen cooperation with Iraq’s new government across political, economic, security, cultural, and other fields of mutual interest.

 

He described relations between Tehran and Baghdad as “strategic and exceptional,” emphasizing that Iran’s approach toward Iraq remains unchanged despite political transitions in Baghdad, with expanding bilateral ties continuing to rank among Tehran’s top foreign policy priorities.

 

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei, who accompanied Araghchi on the visit, echoed the same message in a post on X, describing Iraq as a country with deep historical, cultural, and civilizational ties to Iran and reaffirming that strengthening relations with Baghdad remains a key priority for Tehran.

Joint Press Conference of the Foreign Ministers of Iran and Iraq

Regional Issues Dominate High-Level Talks

The discussions between Araghchi and Fuad Hussein extended well beyond bilateral relations.

 

The two foreign ministers reviewed the latest regional developments, security in the Persian Gulf, implementation of the ceasefire agreement in Lebanon, recent developments surrounding negotiations between Iran and the United States, and the evolving situation in the Strait of Hormuz.

 

Hussein also announced Iraq’s readiness to host a meeting bringing together Iran, Iraq, and the Persian Gulf states, a proposal that received Araghchi’s support.

 

Warning Against Foreign Interference in the Strait of Hormuz

One of the central themes of Araghchi’s remarks in Baghdad was the future management of the Strait of Hormuz.

 

The Iranian foreign minister stated that responsibility for restoring normal operations in the strategic waterway rests solely with Iran and stressed that no other country or international body has any authority over the process.

 

He warned that any outside interference or attempts to establish alternative arrangements would only complicate the situation, delay the reopening process, and increase regional tensions.

 

Referring to recent maritime incidents in the Strait, Araghchi urged all parties to respect existing understandings and refrain from actions that could undermine ongoing implementation efforts.

Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi meets with Iraqi Parliament Speaker Haibat al-Halbousi on Jun 28, 2026. Social media/ WANA News Agency

Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi meets with Iraqi Parliament Speaker Haibat al-Halbousi on Jun 28, 2026. Social media/ WANA News Agency

Meetings with Iraq’s Top Leadership

As part of his visit, Araghchi met Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Al-Zaidi, where the two sides discussed expanding bilateral cooperation.

The Iraqi prime minister highlighted the historic ties between the two neighboring countries and affirmed that Iraq’s new government is committed to strengthening cooperation with the Islamic Republic of Iran across all sectors.

 

Araghchi also met Iraqi President Nizar Amidi, emphasizing Iran’s commitment to implementing its obligations while warning that Tehran would respond firmly to any violations of agreements by other parties.

 

In a separate meeting with Parliament Speaker Haibat al-Halbousi, the Iranian foreign minister underscored the importance of expanding parliamentary diplomacy and enhancing coordination between Tehran and Baghdad to promote regional peace and stability.

Araghchi Meets Iraqi President on Jun 28, 2026. Social media/ WANA News Agency

Border Security and Counterterrorism Cooperation

Security cooperation also featured prominently during the visit.

 

In talks with Iraqi National Security Adviser Qasim al-Aboudi, the two sides discussed implementing the bilateral security agreement, strengthening security along their shared border, and expanding cooperation to combat terrorism and other cross-border threats.

 

Coordinating Funeral Ceremonies in Iraq

Another key objective of Araghchi’s trip was coordinating the funeral ceremonies for Iran’s martyred leader, which are scheduled to take place in several Iraqi holy cities.

 

During a meeting with Ehsan al-Awadi, head of the Iraqi Prime Minister’s Office and chairman of the committee overseeing the ceremonies, both sides discussed logistical arrangements for the events in Baghdad, Kadhimiya, Najaf, and Karbala.

 

Iraqi officials described hosting the ceremonies as “a historic honor” for the Iraqi people and pledged to mobilize all available resources to ensure their successful organization. Both sides also agreed to maintain close coordination between the relevant committees in Iran and Iraq until the ceremonies are concluded.