Iran appoints Mostafa Tarfi as new consul in Basra

BASRA, Iraq — Iran's Foreign Ministry has appointed Mostafa Tarfi as the country's new consul in the southern Iraqi city of Basra, replacing his predecessor Ali Abedi. The ministry said Tarfi met with Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi before traveling to his new post. According to a statement from the Iranian Consulate General in Basra, Tarfi briefed Araghchi on the scope of his planned work, the resources available and the program he proposed. Araghchi stressed during the meeting the need to strengthen bilateral cooperation, particularly in the economic and consular fields. The ministry said the appointment is aimed at maintaining Iran's diplomatic presence in Basra. No further details on the timeline of the handover or Abedi's next assignment were immediately available.