Riyadh – SPA:

His Highness Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah, Minister of Foreign Affairs, received a written message today, Monday, from His Excellency Fuad Hussein, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Iraq. The message addressed the deep-rooted fraternal relations between the two brotherly countries, and discussed ways to support and strengthen them in various fields to serve their common interests.

The message was received on behalf of His Highness the Minister of Foreign Affairs by His Excellency the Undersecretary of the Ministry for Multilateral International Affairs, Dr. Abdulrahman bin Ibrahim Al-Rassi, during his meeting today at the Ministry’s headquarters in Riyadh with the Ambassador of the Republic of Iraq to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Safia Taleb Al-Suhail.

During the reception, the strong bilateral relations between Riyadh and Baghdad were reviewed, and a number of regional and international issues of common interest were discussed, within the framework of ongoing coordination between the two countries.

An upward trajectory in Saudi-Iraqi relations

This message comes amidst active diplomatic efforts and the remarkable growth witnessed in Saudi-Iraqi relations in recent years. Both countries are striving to build a sustainable strategic partnership based on shared values, geographical proximity, and deep historical and social ties. The Saudi-Iraqi Coordination Council has played a pivotal role in framing this cooperation, contributing to significant advancements in political, security, and economic coordination.

The importance of joint coordination in light of regional challenges

Continued communication between the two countries' foreign ministers is of particular importance given the delicate circumstances the region is experiencing, which necessitate the highest levels of coordination and consultation. Political circles view the Saudi-Iraqi rapprochement as a cornerstone of regional stability, as Riyadh and Baghdad work together to enhance regional security, combat terrorism, and eliminate the sources of extremism, in addition to working towards resolving crises through diplomatic means.

Prospects for economic and investment cooperation

On the economic front, relations are witnessing tangible progress, exemplified by electricity interconnection projects, increased trade volume through the new Arar border crossing, and growing Saudi investments in the Iraqi market. The exchange of messages between the leadership and officials of both countries underscores a strong desire to remove all obstacles facing the private sector in both nations, thereby enhancing economic integration for the benefit and prosperity of both brotherly peoples.

In a significant development in the complex diplomatic relations between Tehran and Washington, Hamid Ghanbari, Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister for Economic Affairs, revealed a new Iranian strategy aimed at linking a return to the nuclear agreement to tangible economic benefits for the United States. Ghanbari explained that Tehran seeks an agreement that encompasses not only political and nuclear aspects but also includes mutual economic benefits to ensure the agreement's sustainability.

The Iranian official indicated that the current negotiations directly address vital issues, including shared interests in oil and gas fields, as well as joint fields and investments in the mining sector. Perhaps the most significant point in Qanbari's remarks was the explicit mention of including "aircraft purchases" among the negotiating items, a matter of utmost sensitivity and importance for Tehran, whose civilian air fleet has suffered from obsolescence due to long-standing sanctions.

Criticism of the previous agreement and the introduction of economic guarantees

In justifying this new approach, Ghanbari criticized the structure of the 2015 nuclear agreement (the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action) with world powers, arguing that it "did not guarantee any economic interests for the United States." Tehran believes that the absence of direct US economic interests in the previous agreement facilitated Washington's subsequent withdrawal from it without incurring significant commercial losses. By proposing energy investments and aircraft deals (which could involve major companies like Boeing), Iran is attempting to create a network of interests that would make it difficult for any future US administration to dismantle the agreement again.

Diplomatic moves in Geneva amid military tension

These economic statements coincide with intense diplomatic activity, as the Iranian Foreign Ministry confirmed that Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi departed Tehran for Geneva. This visit is to participate in a new round of indirect talks with the United States regarding the nuclear issue, as well as to hold important meetings with the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency and other international figures, in an effort to break the ongoing deadlock.

Despite the resumption of negotiations this month to resolve the decades-long dispute and avert a military confrontation, the atmosphere is rife with threats of force. US officials have indicated that the United States is not only pursuing diplomacy but has also bolstered its military presence by deploying a second aircraft carrier to the region. This move serves as a clear deterrent, as Washington prepares for the possibility of a large-scale military campaign should diplomatic talks fail to curb Iran's nuclear program, placing the region at a critical crossroads between economic progress and a dangerous military escalation.