Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein met with Gulf Cooperation Council officials in Baghdad to propose a joint security meeting with Iran [1].
The initiative comes as regional tensions escalate following recent Iranian strikes on Bahrain and Kuwait [1]. Iraq is positioning itself as a mediator to establish a security framework that could prevent further military confrontation in the Gulf [2].
During the discussions held on Sunday, Hussein emphasized the need for regional autonomy in managing stability. "Gulf security must be by the countries of the region," Hussein said [1].
The proposed gathering would involve a press conference and high-level talks between the GCC and Iran. The goal is to address the immediate fallout from the attacks, and create a sustainable mechanism for cooperation [2].
While the primary focus of the push is regional security, other reports indicate the discussions in Baghdad have been more wide-ranging [3]. Some accounts suggest the talks between Iraqi and Iranian foreign ministers have also touched upon U.S. sanctions [3].
Iraq's effort to host a summit reflects its ongoing strategy to balance relations between Tehran and the GCC states. By facilitating a direct dialogue, Baghdad aims to reduce the risk of spillover from regional conflicts into its own territory [2].
The GCC has not yet formally confirmed a date for the proposed summit, though the Iraqi government continues to push for a collective regional response to the current instability [1].
“"Gulf security must be by the countries of the region."”
Iraq is attempting to leverage its unique diplomatic position to act as a bridge between Iran and the GCC. By proposing a regional security framework, Baghdad seeks to shift the management of Gulf security away from external powers and toward local stakeholders, potentially stabilizing a volatile region where Iranian military actions have recently increased risk.
