Iraqi, Iranian diplomats meet in Baghdad to discuss de-escalation efforts

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein received Iran's ambassador to Baghdad, Mohammed Kazem Al-Sadiq, on Sunday and was handed a written message from Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, Iraq's Foreign Ministry said. The two sides reviewed recent developments in negotiations aimed at halting the escalation, according to a ministry statement. The meeting stressed the importance of continuing diplomatic efforts to ease regional tensions, the statement added. Hussein said peaceful resolution and dialogue remain the most appropriate path to safeguard the security of regional states and the interests of their peoples. Iraq has maintained open diplomatic channels with Iran during the period of tension and continues to play a mediating role between the two sides.