Iraq plays key role in US-Iran dialogue as Trump proposes restart of nuclear talks

Iraq's Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein and his Iranian counterpart, Abbas Araghchi, engaged in a phone call, during which Araghchi revealed the contents of a letter sent by US President Donald Trump to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

This correspondence, aimed at reopening nuclear negotiations, has added new complexity to the already strained US-Iran relations, Caliber.Az reports citing Iraqi media.

The conversation, confirmed by Iraq's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, takes place amidst escalating tensions across the Middle East, with both regional and international actors closely monitoring the developments.

According to Araghchi, Trump’s letter proposed a resumption of dialogue concerning Iran’s nuclear program, but it also included stern warnings about potential military action should diplomatic efforts fail. The letter, which Trump first acknowledged during a Fox News interview, was delivered to Tehran through Emirati diplomatic channels. Despite initial denials from Iranian officials, sources within Tehran later confirmed the letter's receipt, noting that its contents largely mirrored Trump’s previously stated public positions.

In response, Iranian leaders, including Supreme Leader Khamenei and President Masoud Pezeshkian, firmly rejected the offer. Khamenei reiterated Tehran’s long-standing stance, asserting that negotiations under threat were unacceptable. He emphasized that such calls for dialogue from what he termed "bullying powers" were not intended to resolve issues but rather to impose demands on Iran. Pezeshkian echoed these remarks, stressing the need for internal unity to counter foreign pressures.

The communication between the US and Iran, facilitated through Iraq, marks a rare moment of direct interaction between the two countries. Iraq, with its strategic relationships with both Washington and Tehran, has long positioned itself as a potential mediator in the region. Hussein expressed hope that the disclosure of the letter could be a step toward greater transparency and possibly open the door to broader diplomatic engagements between the two capitals.

The exchange occurs against the backdrop of the US reactivating its "maximum pressure" campaign on Iran, including the imposition of new sanctions aimed at curtailing Iranian oil exports and targeting affiliated entities. US officials, including National Security Adviser Mike Waltz, have made it clear that Iran must fully dismantle its nuclear program, warning of “dire consequences” if Tehran continues its enrichment activities.

By Vafa Guliyeva