Full Breakdown
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi Visits Iraq Amid Heightened US-Iran Tensions
6/28/2026, 9:47:48 PM
Araghchi’s Baghdad Visit
On 28 June 2026, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi arrived in Baghdad and met Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein and Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi. The agenda, announced on social media, covered the US-Iran memorandum of understanding (MOU) that paused hostilities, coordination of funeral rites for the late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in Iraq, and regional security concerns raised by recent US-Iran airstrikes.
Recent US-Iran Confrontations
The visit follows two days of strikes: the United States hit Iranian facilities after Tehran’s attacks on shipping near the Strait of Hormuz, and Iran’s Revolutionary Guard launched missiles and drones at U.S. sites in Kuwait and Bahrain. The MOU, mediated by Pakistan, obliges both sides to cease fire on all fronts, restore the strait within 30 days, and resume nuclear talks.
Economic Impact
Iraqi oil exports fell from nearly 100 million barrels in February to 18.6 million barrels in March, slashing export revenue from over $6.8 billion to about $1.95 billion and straining the national budget.
Official Statements & Responses
Araghchi said the trip “thanks the Iraqi government and people for their support” and stressed the MOU requires fighting to stop “on all fronts, including Lebanon.” Iraqi officials reaffirmed a commitment to “ending wars through dialogue and negotiation” and to protect diplomatic missions. Secretary of State Rubio condemned Iranian-backed militia actions and urged Iraq to disarm them.
Criticism & Opposition
U.S. and GCC officials accused Iranian proxies of drone attacks on civilian infrastructure, assaults on U.S. diplomatic sites in Iraq, and kidnapping a U.S. journalist, urging Iraq to secure missions and prevent non-state armed groups from threatening neighbors.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The Iraqi government took clear positions in condemning the aggression, and the Iraqi people’s support gave the Iranian people a sense of solidarity,” — Abbas Araghchi, Iranian Foreign Minister
- “Iraq stands with the priority of ending wars and adopting dialogue and negotiations to establish stability in the region,” — Ali al-Zaidi, Prime Minister of Iraq
- “The signed MOU must be respected, and its intent must not be undermined.” — Abbas Araghchi, Iranian Foreign Minister
- “The Ministers condemned attacks by Iranian proxies in Iraq against GCC countries, including drone attacks damaging civilian facilities, critical infrastructure, and energy security.” — GCC ministers (collective)
What’s Next
Iran will hold parts of Khamenei’s funeral procession in Baghdad, Najaf and Karbala on 8 July, with burial in Iran thereafter. Iraq has offered to host an eight-party dialogue with Iran, the GCC and other regional actors to discuss a new Persian Gulf security framework. Monitoring MOU compliance, especially the Strait of Hormuz reopening, remains a priority for Tehran and Washington.
