WANA (Jan 18) – Seyed Abbas Araghchi, Iran’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, described the evacuation of the Ayn al-Asad base by U.S. forces and its handover to the Iraqi government as a clear sign of enhanced stability and political sovereignty in Iraq. He emphasized that Tehran seeks a stable, independent Iraq with strong and effective sovereignty.

 

The Iranian foreign minister made these remarks on Monday afternoon at a joint press conference with Fuad Hussein, Iraq’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, following their bilateral meeting in Tehran. The meeting was held as part of ongoing consultations between the two countries.

 

Expressing hope for an accelerated process in forming Iraq’s new government, Araghchi said that the borders between Iran and Iraq have now become borders of friendship, cooperation, and interaction across various economic, trade, and social fields. He added that the two countries share common security interests and challenges.

 

Referring to Iraq’s growing regional role, he noted: “Our Iraqi friends have shown that they can play a positive role in bringing regional viewpoints and positions closer together. In this meeting, we discussed proposals that Iran and Iraq could jointly develop to promote regional peace and stability, and we stressed the importance of preserving regional security.”

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein attend a joint press conference in Tehran, Iran, January 18, 2026. Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency)

Araghchi further pointed to the handover of the Ayn al-Asad base to the Iraqi government, calling it a sign of strengthened national sovereignty in Iraq. He said: “The Islamic Republic of Iran wants a stable, independent Iraq with strong political sovereignty and believes that Iraq possesses the necessary capacities to achieve this status.”

 

He also referred to people-to-people ties between the two countries, stating that the presence of Iraqi students in Iran and the extensive social connections between the two nations form an important foundation for bilateral relations. He added that Iran is ready to facilitate and accelerate travel and exchanges between the peoples of the two countries.

 

Regarding economic cooperation, Araghchi noted that trade relations between Iran and Iraq are at a good level, but significant potential exists for further expansion. He added that both sides are engaged in joint talks aimed at reaching a comprehensive strategic agreement.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi meets with Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein in Tehran, Iran, January 18, 2026. Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency)

In another part of the press conference, Fuad Hussein, Iraq’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, underscored the importance of relations between Tehran and Baghdad, saying: “Iran’s security and Iraq’s security are an inseparable part of the security of the entire region, and under current circumstances, regional countries need consultation and coordination more than ever.”

 

Rejecting any form of foreign interference in the internal affairs of countries, the Iraqi foreign minister added: “We emphasize shared principles, including respect for national sovereignty and non-interference by external actors.” He also explained Iraq’s post-parliamentary election situation and the ongoing consultations to form a new government, and shared Iraq’s views on regional developments with the Iranian side.

 

Referring to his busy schedule in Tehran, Fuad Hussein announced that during his two-day visit, he would meet with several senior officials of the Islamic Republic of Iran.

 

Prior to the joint press conference, the foreign ministers of Iran and Iraq held a bilateral meeting at the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. According to official statements, during the remainder of his visit, the Iraqi foreign minister is also scheduled to meet and hold talks with President Masoud Pezeshkian, Speaker of Parliament Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, as well as a number of senior officials and security authorities of the Islamic Republic of Iran.