Fuad Hussein, the Foreign Minister of Iraq, stated in an interview with Al Jazeera that his country has restarted oil exports through the Strait of Hormuz. This action comes after a $60 billion loss that Iraq suffered due to the halt of oil exports from this route.
Losses from Sanctions
Fuad Hussein further explained that the halt of oil exports through the Strait of Hormuz has had deep economic impacts on Iraq, and the country has been severely affected by this situation. He added: "The United States has officially requested the closure of all our border crossings with Iran except for two crossings." This action clearly reflects the international pressures and economic sanctions that have impacted Iraq's economic activities.
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Regional Tensions and Relations with Iran
Continuing, Fuad Hussein pointed to the increasing tensions in the region, stating that the possibility of renewed war currently exists. He emphasized that Iraq has told Iran that it accepts friendly relations and unity between the two countries, but at the same time opposes Iran's interference in Iraq's internal affairs. This statement reflects Iraq's desire to maintain its independence against external pressures.
The Iraqi Foreign Minister also referred to the issue of weapon monopolization in the hands of the Iraqi government and expressed hope that this matter would be resolved through dialogue rather than armed confrontation. Fuad Hussein noted that the Prime Minister of Iraq has reached an agreement with four armed groups, including Asa'ib Ahl al-Haq and the Sayyid al-Shuhada Brigades, regarding the organization of weapons, and negotiations with the al-Nujaba Movement and the Hezbollah Brigades of Iraq are ongoing.
Fight Against ISIS and Drug Trafficking
Fuad Hussein also mentioned the presence of some ISIS elements at the Iraq-Syria border and said that a quadrilateral committee comprising Iraq, Syria, Jordan, and Turkey has been formed to combat ISIS in Syria. This committee aims to strengthen security cooperation among regional countries in order to counter terrorist threats.
The Iraqi Foreign Minister emphasized that the country's army is conducting military operations at the Syrian borders to prevent the infiltration of ISIS elements and drug trafficking. This action demonstrates Iraq's serious determination to confront security challenges and maintain national security.
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