Iraqi President Nizar Amedi and Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi held separate meetings in Baghdad on 29 June with visiting Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi to discuss the recently signed Iran-US memorandum of understanding (MoU) and the escalating situation in the Strait of Hormuz. The high-level consultations underscore Iraq's growing role as a diplomatic bridge between Tehran and Washington amid live military exchanges between the two powers.

What Iraqi Leaders Said

President Amedi stressed the centrality of dialogue in building a more stable regional environment, calling for lasting understandings that address unresolved issues, according to a statement issued by the Iraqi presidency. Prime Minister al-Zaidi echoed that position, affirming that Iraq prioritises ending wars and advancing negotiations as the surest path to regional stability — a stance his office said would unlock greater development and prosperity for the peoples of the region.

Iran's Position and Appreciation for Iraq's Role

Foreign Minister Araghchi expressed Tehran's appreciation for Iraq's efforts in containing crises and bridging differences between rival parties, according to reports. He reaffirmed Iran's commitment to strengthening ties with its Arab neighbours and deepening bilateral cooperation with Baghdad. The visit signals that Tehran views Iraq as a key interlocutor at a moment of acute diplomatic pressure.

Military Exchanges and the Hormuz Flashpoint

The Baghdad meetings came against the backdrop of direct military exchanges between Washington and Tehran. The United States conducted strikes on Iranian targets on Friday and Saturday, citing what it described as 'continued Iranian aggression against commercial shipping' in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran responded by striking US military positions in the region. The tit-for-tat exchanges have raised alarm over the safety of one of the world's most critical oil-transit chokepoints, through which an estimated 20% of global oil supply passes.

Doha Talks: A Pause in Hostilities

Amid the military escalation, the United States and Iran have agreed to pause mutual attacks 'for now' and hold talks on Tuesday in Doha, the capital of Qatar, to resolve their dispute over the Strait of Hormuz, according to reports citing a US official. The official was quoted as saying that vessels can now 'move freely' as technical discussions are set to continue. Notably, the Tuesday talks were originally scheduled to be held in Switzerland with a focus on Iran's nuclear programme; renewed Hormuz tensions prompted a venue change to Doha and a shift in agenda toward shipping security. This is a significant pivot — from nuclear diplomacy to maritime security — reflecting how rapidly the crisis has evolved.

What Comes Next

The outcome of the Doha technical talks will be closely watched by Gulf states, global energy markets, and shipping insurers. Iraq's diplomatic engagement suggests Baghdad is positioning itself as a facilitator should direct US-Iran negotiations stall. With the MoU framework still fragile and military postures on both sides unresolved, the coming days will test whether the pause holds.