Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein met with Iran’s Supreme National Security Council Secretary Ali Larijani to discuss bilateral relations between the two countries. They discussed the railway project linking Shalamjah to Basra and the challenges facing its completion, including mine clearance and other obstacles, agreeing to follow up on the matter through relevant authorities on both sides to find necessary solutions. The Iraqi Foreign Ministry stated that the meeting also touched upon the idea of extending the strategic railway line from the Khosravi area on the Iranian side to Khanaqin and Baghdad, emphasizing the importance of starting a study on the project due to its impact on enhancing economic relations and boosting religious tourism, as well as the possibility of linking this line to the Development Road project in the future.

The meeting also covered developments in regional and security situations, including the situation in Gaza, the dangers of the occupation of the sector, and attempts to deport its residents to Egyptian lands, in addition to discussing the occupation’s threats to annex the West Bank and their repercussions on the Arab region. They also discussed threats against Iran and the seriousness of the situation, as well as ongoing changes in Syria and their impact on regional stability. The statement highlighted the importance of building joint mechanisms for security work at the regional level and discussed the UN Secretary-General’s initiative on regional security.