
Iraq: Diplomacy key to de-escalating US-Iran nuclear standoff
Shafaq News/ On Thursday, Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani reaffirmed Baghdad's support for nuclear negotiations between Washinghton and Tehran, warning that rising tensions could undermine the chances for a peaceful resolution.
His remarks, released by the PM's media office, followed a meeting in Baghdad with ambassadors and heads of Arab diplomatic missions. During the gathering, al-Sudani highlighted Iraq's commitment to facilitating diplomatic efforts that contribute to broader regional security, emphasizing that continued negotiations between Washington and Tehran remain ''crucial.''
He expressed Iraq's support for 'a fair and balanced approach' to US–Iran negotiations that would lead to 'positive' outcomes, affirming the continued commitment to fostering agreements that enhance regional stability.
The PM's statement come just days ahead of the sixth round of nuclear talks scheduled for Sunday in Muscat, according to Omani Foreign Minister Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi.
In preparation, White House envoy Steve Witkoff is set to meet Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi to review Tehran's position on Washington's latest nuclear proposal. Although Iran has not yet provided a formal response, the US official indicated that the discussions are 'increasingly likely to proceed as planned.'
Regarding the Palestinian Cause, al-Sudani identified the unresolved issue as a primary driver of instability across the Middle East, pointing to the war in Gaza as a significant flashpoint, and cautioning that ongoing military operations risk triggering a wider confrontation.
He also urged the international community to increase efforts to prevent what he described as 'extensive civilian suffering in Gaza.'
Since the war's onset on October 7, 2023, Gaza's Health Ministry has documented
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Iraqi News
2 hours ago
- Iraqi News
Iran's FM joins meeting with Arab League diplomats including Iraq
Istanbul – Iran's foreign minister arrived in Istanbul on Saturday, Tasnim news agency reported, for a meeting with Arab League diplomats to discuss Tehran's escalating conflict with Israel. Around 40 diplomats are slated to join the weekend gathering of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), as Israel and Iran continue to exchange missile strikes. 'The Foreign Minister arrived in Istanbul this morning to participate in the Organization of Islamic Cooperation Foreign Ministers' meeting,' Tasnim reported. It comes after Araghchi met with his counterparts from Britain, France and Germany in Geneva on Friday. 'At this meeting, at the suggestion of Iran, the issue of the Zionist regime's attack on our country will be specifically addressed,' said Iranian foreign Abbas Araghchi, according to the news agency. Israel began its assault in the early hours of June 13, saying Iran was on the verge of developing nuclear weapons, triggering an immediate retaliation from Tehran in the worst-ever confrontation between the two arch-rivals. Earlier on Friday, Araghchi said Tehran was ready to 'consider diplomacy' again only if Israel's 'aggression is stopped.' The Arab League ministers are expected to release a statement following their meeting, the Turkish state news agency Anadolu said.


Shafaq News
3 hours ago
- Shafaq News
Iran's FM: Trust in US at breaking point
Shafaq News/ Iran questioned the United States' credibility in upcoming nuclear negotiations after an Israeli airstrike hit Iranian territory just days before planned talks with American officials. Speaking to NBC News in Geneva, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Tehran was unsure it could trust Washington, suggesting the diplomatic process may have been used as a 'cover' for Israel's attack. 'What they did was a betrayal of diplomacy,' he stated. He stressed that Iran would not return to the table unless Israel halts its aerial operations. 'We are not prepared to negotiate while the aggression continues,' Araghchi said after meetings with European diplomats. The minister also dismissed US President Donald Trump's demand for zero uranium enrichment. 'That is impossible,' he said, adding that enrichment remains a sovereign right and a national point of pride. Araghchi expressed frustration with US envoy Steve Witkoff, accusing him of repeatedly shifting positions. 'There is now a lack of trust between us. What we were told could be done—was not,' he said, although indirect communication with Witkoff continues. He warned that Iran would retaliate against any joint US-Israeli action, emphasizing Tehran's right to self-defense. 'If the US joins the attacks, we will do the same in response,' he said. Responding to Israeli threats against Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, Araghchi called such a move 'a crime,' and dismissed Trump's claim of knowing Khamenei's whereabouts as 'an insult rather than a threat.' He concluded that the path back to diplomacy requires Washington to stop Israeli airstrikes. 'All it takes is a phone call from Washington to Tel Aviv,' he said. The remarks came as tensions between Iran and Israel have escalated into direct military confrontation. Israel launched Operation Rising Lion on June 13, striking Iranian nuclear and military sites, prompting Tehran to retaliate with missile and drone attacks under its campaign dubbed True Promise 3.


Shafaq News
3 hours ago
- Shafaq News
Trump consults inner circle on Iran response
Shafaq News/ US President Donald Trump has been consulting donors, media figures, and elected officials on how to respond to escalating tensions with Iran, The Washington Post reported on Saturday. The consultations come as Trump faces pressure to involve the United States directly in Israel's ongoing air campaign, including appeals from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. However, the president has maintained that Iran must be prevented from developing a nuclear weapon while avoiding direct military engagement. According to the report, Trump's advisers are split between those advocating for a military strike and others backing diplomatic engagement. Figures supporting negotiations have reportedly gained influence, steering the president toward a more cautious approach. "The US President supports diplomatic efforts underway in Geneva as a potential path toward an agreement with Tehran," a senior US official said, adding that Special Envoy Steve Witkoff did not attend the talks, though he remains in "regular contact" with Iranian officials.