Araghchis Remarks at Joint Press Conference with Iraqi Counterpart in Baghdad

I would like to sincerely thank my dear friend and brother, Mr. Fuad Hussein, the esteemed Foreign Minister of the Republic of Iraq, for his warm hospitality and for his valuable remarks regarding the relations between our two countries.

My visit to Baghdad comes at a very special time. This is my first foreign trip following the aggression by the United States and the Zionist regime against my country, as well as the Iranian people's heroic resistance during the war and the subsequent developments.

The primary purpose of this visit is to express our gratitude to the government and people of Iraq for their valuable support and solidarity with the Islamic Republic of Iran. The Iraqi government adopted clear and responsible positions in condemning this aggression and supporting the Iranian people as the victims of this act. Likewise, the Iraqi people, through their widespread expressions of solidarity and support, greatly encouraged the Iranian nation. Therefore, I considered it my duty, on my first visit to Baghdad, to convey the Islamic Republic of Iran's sincere appreciation to the brotherly government and people of Iraq.


The second purpose of my visit is to congratulate Iraq's new government. This is my first visit since the formation of the new government under the leadership of Mr. Al-Zaidi. I take this opportunity to congratulate him on the formation of the new government, as well as my dear brother, Mr. Fuad Hussein, on his reappointment as Foreign Minister. I also wish to reaffirm our commitment to the continuation of the outstanding relations and strategic partnership between the Islamic Republic of Iran and Iraq.

We are determined to further expand our cooperation with Iraq's new government, just as we have in the past, across all political, economic, security, cultural, and other fields. I will also raise this matter during my meeting today with the esteemed Prime Minister of Iraq and convey the congratulations of the President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, as well as those of the Leader of the Islamic Revolution.

Another objective of this visit is to coordinate preparations for the funeral ceremonies of the martyred Leader of the Islamic Revolution in the cities of Baghdad, Kadhimiya, Karbala, and Najaf. Millions of Iraqis have expressed their readiness to participate in these ceremonies. Thanks to the prudent measures taken by the Iraqi government and the commendable cooperation of the country's officials, it has been decided that the funeral ceremonies will be held in Iraq's holy cities.

We sincerely thank the Iraqi government, particularly the esteemed Prime Minister, for establishing a special committee to coordinate these ceremonies. We will also hold joint meetings with this committee today to finalize the necessary arrangements so that, God willing, these ceremonies will be conducted with the highest level of order and dignity.

During the remainder of this visit, we will also review bilateral relations and cooperation between our two countries in the political, economic, security, and other fields. I had a very productive discussion with Mr. Fuad Hussein, during which we exchanged views on all issues of mutual interest. The strategic relationship between the Islamic Republic of Iran and Iraq is of great importance to us, and we will continue to pursue its further development with firm determination.


I also briefed my Iraqi counterpart on the latest developments regarding the imposed war against the Iranian people, the course of the negotiations, and the substance of the recent understandings.

Regarding the Strait of Hormuz, I emphasized that, under the understandings reached, the management and full reopening of maritime traffic in this strategic waterway, once the existing obstacles are removed, rests with the Islamic Republic of Iran. The implementation of these arrangements is currently underway. Responsibility for carrying out this mechanism lies solely with the Islamic Republic of Iran, and no other country or entity bears any responsibility in this regard.

Any interference or attempt to establish arrangements that contradict the existing understandings will only complicate the situation, delay the restoration of normal navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, and increase tensions—as evidenced by some provocative activities witnessed in the area over the past two nights.

I call on all parties to adhere to the understandings that have been reached, refrain from any interference in the management of the Strait of Hormuz, and allow these arrangements to proceed as agreed.

In accordance with the understandings, hostilities must also cease on all fronts, including Lebanon. Unfortunately, the Zionist regime continues its attacks. The United States, based on the commitments it has undertaken, bears responsibility for bringing these attacks to an end, ensuring the consolidation of the ceasefire, and creating the conditions necessary for withdrawal from the occupied territories.

We also discussed the future of regional security and the security architecture of the Persian Gulf. The recent war offered important lessons for all countries in the region. I believe the time has come to adopt a new approach and establish a regional framework for safeguarding the security of the Persian Gulf, with the participation of all regional states and without the presence or interference of extra-regional powers.

In this context, we welcome Mr. Fuad Hussein's proposal to initiate dialogue among the member states of the Persian Gulf Cooperation Council, Iran, and Iraq, and we are fully prepared to cooperate with the Iraqi government in advancing this initiative.