A potential agreement between the US and Iran will not come at the expense of other regional stakeholders, Huad Hussein said in an interview with Asharq News.
Hussein also highlighted the impact of US sanctions on Iran, which forced Iraq to seek alternative sources of gas imports. Iran’s gas supply supplies about 33% of Iraq’s electricity needs. He said Baghdad is in talks with several countries, including Torkie, Jordan and the Gulf states, to ensure alternative energy supplies.
The Iraqi foreign minister said his debate in Washington also covered the Syrian situation, revealing that the US administration has presented eight conditions to the new Syrian leader. In the conditions, Hussein describes the issue of foreign armed groups as particularly sensitive, calling it a major source of interest for neighboring countries and the broader international community.
During our meeting with European officials, Hussein cited Syria’s humanitarian suffering, highlighting the need to promote a comprehensive political reconciliation in Syria and calling for the lifting of sanctions in Damascus.
Syria’s stability is important for Iraq, Hussein added. “We are deeply interested in the Syrian situation because development there has been a negative and positive effect on us,” he said.
Hussein ruled out the possibility of an Arab summit during President Donald Trump’s upcoming local visits.
The White House has announced that President Trump will visit Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates between May 13th and May 16th.
Foreign Minister Hussein arrived in Washington on April 24th, and on an official visit he held a series of bilateral meetings with senior US officials. His visit was intended to explore ways to strengthen bilateral relations between Iraq and the United States and expand cooperation in the political, security and economic fields.
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