Iraq Says Opening Strait of Hormuz and Lifting Maritime Blockade Are Important After Talks in Baghdad

Iraq’s foreign minister met with Iran’s foreign minister in Baghdad and stressed the importance of keeping the Strait of Hormuz open and lifting a maritime blockade. According to Jin10, Saudi outlet Al Hadath reported that the two ministers held a joint press conference in Baghdad. Iraq’s foreign minister said the Iranian foreign minister’s visit was significant and described Iran as an important neighboring country. He said Iraq had played an important role in communication between the United States and Iran. He said he discussed multiple issues with Araghchi, including bilateral relations and a U.S.-Iran memorandum of understanding. He added that war operations and the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz had negatively affected Iraq’s economic conditions. He said the closure of the Strait of Hormuz had disrupted Iraq’s oil supplies. He added that Iraq did not support expanding the war and did not support aggression against Iran. He said the continuation of the war would lead to regional destruction and that the region must protect itself.