Iraq offers to mediate US-Iran talks, envoy says

Iraq is prepared to host negotiations between the United States and Iran if the two parties desire, Iraqi Ambassador to Russia Abdul-Karim Hashim Mostafa stated in an interview with TASS. The diplomat recalled that in 2014, Iraq facilitated the first indirect talks between the US and Iran. "Iraq is always ready to play this role, but it depends on the will and the wish of the two partners, the US and Iran," he said.

Regarding the ongoing tensions, Hashim Mostafa noted that the conflict involving Iran, the US, and Israel has not significantly affected the daily lives of ordinary Iraqis. However, he highlighted that many Israeli rockets have traversed Iraqi airspace en route to Iran. "Unfortunately, a lot of Israeli rockets flew [toward Iran] from not only Iraqi air space, but also Syrian, Lebanese, sometimes Jordanian, and few of countries have the technical possibility to counter this," he added.

The ambassador's remarks come amid heightened regional tensions, with Iran and the US at odds over various issues, including Iran's nuclear program and its regional influence. Iraq has historically served as a mediator between the two nations, leveraging its geographic and political position. According to the report by Mehr News Agency, the Iraqi envoy emphasized that any potential talks would depend on the mutual consent of Washington and Tehran.