BAGHDAD — Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi met with Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi on Saturday evening to discuss critical regional security concerns, using the platform to launch a sharp critique of United States foreign policy. The meeting took place in the Iraqi capital on the sidelines of the 52nd Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).
During the discussions, Araghchi accused Washington of being the primary architect of instability in the Middle East. He asserted that the United States has consistently derailed diplomatic efforts by abandoning international commitments and relying on military force to achieve its objectives. According to the Iranian Foreign Minister, this American approach has not only fueled regional tensions but has also directly threatened the security of global commercial shipping lanes.
The high-level talks focused heavily on the deepening crises across West Asia. Araghchi placed the blame for the current volatility squarely on the shoulders of the Israeli regime, which he described as an entity driven by “occupation and expansionism.” He cited the events of the past three years as evidence of a pattern of aggression, pointing to Israeli military actions in Lebanon, Syria, and Iran, as well as the ongoing humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, which he characterized as genocide. He argued that these actions have transcended local grievances and now pose a systemic threat to global peace and security.
Despite the focus on regional conflict, Araghchi emphasized that Iran remains dedicated to utilizing diplomatic channels to de-escalate tensions and prevent further military expansion. He underscored that Tehran’s goal remains long-term stability, achieved through cooperation with regional neighbors.
The conversation between the two officials also touched upon the bilateral relationship between Iran and Iraq, which Araghchi described as robust. He reaffirmed the Islamic Republic’s commitment to deepening ties with Baghdad across all sectors of mutual interest, signaling a desire for continued strategic cooperation between the two nations.
Furthermore, the leaders addressed the ongoing conflict in Yemen. They explored potential paths toward a resolution, specifically focusing on strategies to end the long-standing naval blockade. Both parties expressed a shared interest in mitigating tensions to alleviate the humanitarian pressure caused by the protracted hostilities.
The visit comes at a time of heightened regional anxiety, as the OIC gathers to find collective solutions to the challenges facing the Muslim world. By centering the discussions on what he termed the destructive influence of U.S. policy and the expansionist agenda of Israel, Araghchi signaled that Iran intends to maintain a firm stance against Western military presence while seeking to consolidate regional alliances to counter what it perceives as an existential threat to regional order.
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