Shafaq News– Baghdad
Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein and TurkishForeign Minister Hakan Fidan discussed bilateral ties and escalating tensionsbetween the United States and Iran during a phone call on Saturday.
According to a statement, the talks examined thepotential repercussions of the US–Iran standoff on regional stability. Theministers also discussed Hussein’s upcoming visit to Tehran, recent politicaldevelopments in Iraq, and the ongoing government formation process, stressing theneed to preserve “political stability” and strengthen “regional cooperation.”
Speaking to Shafaq News earlier, an Iranian sourceconfirmed that Hussein is scheduled to visit Tehran on Sunday for a one-dayofficial trip. Meetings are planned with Iranian FM Abbas Araghchi and othersenior officials to address Baghdad–Tehran relations and the latestdevelopments in the Washington–Tehran tension.
The unrest in Iran began on December 28, 2025, afterthe rial fell to about 1.45 million per US dollar, driving sharp increases infood prices and inflation. The Human Rights Activists News Agency hasdocumented 3,090 confirmed deaths, with 3,882 additional cases under review, atleast 2,055 serious injuries, and 22,123 arrests nationwide, while Iranianauthorities acknowledge roughly 2,000 fatalities.
Iranian officials have accused the United States andIsrael of fueling instability, with Araghchi arguing that demonstrations beganpeacefully before turning violent due to what he described as the “infiltrationof armed groups.” Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump has repeatedly warned ofpossible military options targeting Iran’s security apparatus, while stoppingshort of a final decision, since the protests erupted. He has also imposed a25% tariff on countries trading with Iran and suspended planned engagementswith Iranian officials.
: Escalation without Collapse: Washington’s options against Tehran
