In a meeting held in Baghdad on Sunday, Araqchi and his Iraqi counterpart Fuad Hussein discussed bilateral cooperation, regional developments, and efforts to restore peace and security.
Araqchi, who has traveled to Baghdad to attend the 52nd session of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), thanked Iraq for hosting the meeting and praised its organization. He expressed hope that Iraq’s presidency of the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers would be successful and bring valuable initiatives to strengthen the organization’s standing.
Emphasizing the need for Islamic countries to pay greater attention to issues affecting the Muslim world, particularly Palestine and the Israeli regime’s continued expansionism and warmongering in the region, Araqchi stressed the importance of strengthening dialogue and solidarity among Muslim nations to resolve differences, enhance cohesion, and promote Islamic unity in confronting threats.
Araqchi also briefed his Iraqi counterpart on ongoing diplomatic efforts related to regional peace and security. He said Iran remains firm and resolute in defending its national interests and security, while also remaining committed to using diplomacy to prevent an escalation of tensions and resolve outstanding issues.
The Iranian foreign minister said insecurity in the Strait of Hormuz and its economic consequences for countries across the region and the world are a direct result of the US-Israeli military aggression against Iran.
Despite this situation, he said, Iran has declared its readiness to restore security to the strategic waterway if the US halts its acts of aggression and interference, in accordance with the seven-point plan proposed by Tehran.
The two ministers also discussed developments in the Arabian Peninsula and ways to help end the conflicts there.
Araqchi said the developments of the past decade should serve as a lesson, emphasizing that the Yemen issue could not be resolved through force and blockade. Instead, he said, it should be addressed within the framework of the United Nations Charter, with respect for Yemen’s national sovereignty and territorial integrity and the human rights of its people.
Iran is ready to provide any assistance necessary to facilitate dialogue between the parties involved, he noted.
Araqchi also stressed the importance of respecting Islamic holy sites, saying the firmly rejected allegation that Yemen’s armed forces had attacked Mecca and Medina should not be repeated.
He said reiterating such false allegation is not in the interests of the Muslim world and should not become a source of division and discord within the Organization of Islamic Cooperation.