Fuad Hussein Discusses Regional War Developments and Stability with the UK Foreign Secretary

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Iraq, H.E. Mr. Fuad Hussein, held a phone call on Monday, 16 March 2026, with the UK Foreign Secretary, H.E. Ms. Yvette Cooper, during which they discussed the ongoing tensions in the region resulting from the war and their repercussions for Iraq and neighboring countries.

During the call, H.E. the British Foreign Secretary reaffirmed the support and solidarity of United Kingdom with the Iraqi people in confronting the challenges and attacks targeting its territory. H.E. explained that British policy is not to engage directly in the war; however, the UK considers it its duty to stand by its allies and friends and to protect its citizens and nationals present in countries across the region.

H.E. the minister added that Britain has a long history of partnership with Iraq and several countries in the region and seeks to safeguard, strengthen, and further develop these partnerships. H.E. also expressed concern about the continuation of internal attacks in several areas of Iraq, emphasizing the importance of achieving security and stability in the country.

For his part, H.E. Mr. Fuad Hussein expressed his gratitude to the British government for its solidarity with Iraq and its people in facing various challenges and attacks. H.E. stressed the need to halt all attacks on Iraqi territory, whether external or internal. H.E. noted that the continuation of the war no longer serves clear objectives and that its expansion is destabilizing the entire region, as the arena of conflict is no longer limited to one or two countries.

H.E. the minister also pointed out that the continuation of the war is generating multiple crises—security, social, and political—and is contributing to the worsening energy crisis and rising energy prices, which affect the global economy, including the UK. H.E. added that Iraq may face significant difficulties exporting oil through the Gulf due to military operations in the Strait of Hormuz.

H.E. Mr. Fuad Hussein emphasized that the focus today should be on finding mechanisms to end the war, stressing that the immediate solution is reaching a ceasefire. H.E. also highlighted the importance of continuing coordination and communication with the British government to follow up on joint policies, expressing his appreciation to the British Foreign Secretary for the call and the constructive discussions.