WANA (Jan 18) – Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein arrived in Tehran on Sunday, January 18, 2026, to meet with Iranian officials, including Iran’s Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi. Hussein was officially welcomed at the Iranian Foreign Ministry, and the two ministers discussed bilateral relations as well as regional and international developments. They are expected to brief journalists afterwards.

 

Purpose of the Visit

Iraq’s “Al-Araby Al-Jadeed” reported that Baghdad seeks to maintain regional calm, warning that any escalation could destabilize Iraq internally. Iraq has repeatedly stated it opposes becoming a battlefield or a base for attacks against other countries, stressing dialogue and de-escalation as strategic priorities.

 

The visit comes amid sensitive domestic debates in Iraq, including forming a new government, disarming armed groups outside state control, and pressure from the United States—especially regarding Iran-aligned Iraqi militias. These issues are intertwined with regional and international considerations, making them highly complex.

 

A senior Iraqi official told the outlet that Iraq, due to its geography and politics, aims to maintain a balanced foreign policy and that discussions may include U.S. threats against Iran, Iraq’s government formation crisis, and disarmament of resistance groups.

 

Iraq’s Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ Al-Sudani recently condemned violence in Gaza and Lebanon and warned about the consequences of U.S. and Israeli threats against Iran, calling for unity among Islamic countries.

 

Iraq Reaffirms Neutrality

Earlier, Iraq’s military spokesman Sabah Al-Numan said Iraq rejects any use of its land, airspace, or waters for military action against neighboring countries. He emphasized Iraq’s respect for sovereignty and non-interference, insisting Iraq will not allow its territory to threaten regional stability.

 

The Shiite Coordination Framework also opposed using Iraqi soil for attacks—especially against Iran—and urged diplomatic solutions, warning that the region cannot withstand new military conflicts amid economic hardship and falling oil prices.

 

Prior Consultations Ahead of Tehran Visit

Before travelling, Hussein held phone talks with the foreign ministers of Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and France. Iraqi officials said he discussed regional tensions—particularly U.S.-Iran escalation—and its impact on regional security with French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian. The two agreed to maintain coordination to support dialogue and stability.

 

Hussein also spoke with Saudi FM Faisal bin Farhan and Turkish FM Hakan Fidan, updating them on his upcoming Tehran visit.