policy
Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein on Thursday discussed with the new US Chargé d'Affaires, Stephen Fagin, the implications of US economic sanctions imposed on Iran and their potential repercussions for Iraq. The discussion took place during Minister Hussein's reception of the new US Chargé d'Affaires to the Republic of Iraq, Ambassador Stephen Fagin, in Baghdad on Thursday, September 3, 2026. The meeting was also attended by Deputy Ambassador Arne Nوتينen and Senior Advisor Ali Hassoun. At the outset of the meeting, Minister Hussein welcomed Ambassador Fagin and his accompanying delegation, wishing him success in his diplomatic duties. For his part, the US Chargé d'Affaires expressed his gratitude for the warm reception and extended his congratulations to the Minister on the renewed confidence in him as Foreign Minister in the new government. The meeting covered developments in Iraq's political landscape, the process of completing the government formation, in addition to discussing political and security conditions, including the steps taken by the Iraqi government to restrict weapons to state control. The two sides also discussed Iraqi political activity and the Prime Minister's anticipated foreign visits, as part of Iraq's efforts to enhance its foreign relations and its commitment to engage with regional and international partners. Both parties exchanged views on Iraq's relations with Gulf and neighboring countries in the post-regional tensions phase, and the impact of these developments on regional conditions and relations, alongside reviewing a number of regional issues of mutual interest. The meeting also addressed visions regarding the future of regional coordination and potential communication frameworks among the countries of the region, aiming to enhance stability and address common challenges. On the economic front, Minister Hussein noted Iraq's vulnerability to the repercussions of regional conflicts and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. He clarified that the Iraqi economy relies primarily on oil exports and their associated revenues as a main resource for the national economy, which makes oil export movements susceptible to regional developments. In this context, the two sides reiterated their discussion on the US economic sanctions imposed on Iran and their potential effects on Iraq, particularly given the existing commercial ties and relations between the two countries.
