Iraqi PM meets Iranian president in New York

Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian during their meeting in New York on the sidelines of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly. Photo: PMO Baghdad (IraqiNews.com) – Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi met on Wednesday with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian in New York on the sidelines of their participation in the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly. According to a statement released by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), the meeting addressed developments in the region and the necessity of working together to handle difficulties in ways that promote security and stability. The two leaders also addressed approaches to keep the region from spiraling into a cycle of escalation, tensions, and crises. During a meeting on Wednesday with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein emphasized the importance of defusing regional tensions through dialogue. The meeting addressed bilateral relations and regional developments, as well as the importance of continued coordination between the two countries to respond to current challenges and support diplomatic efforts aimed at enhancing regional stability. Hussein also stressed the significance of continued diplomatic efforts among the parties involved to defuse tension and prevent escalation. Araghchi outlined the discussions that began between Iran and the United States, sponsored by an intermediary, on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly meetings in New York. These discussions attempt to de-escalate the situation and find approaches to reopen the Strait of Hormuz for navigation. The two ministers also discussed the outcomes of the meeting involving the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states, Iraq, Jordan, Syria, Lebanon, Egypt, and Turkey—attended by US President Donald Trump—as well as how regional and international relationships might help efforts for de-escalation.