Iraq Urges Regional Security Pact, Emphasizing Self-Reliance Over Foreign Intervention

Baghdad, Iraq – Iraq’s Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein reiterated on Sunday that the Middle East's stability must be achieved through internal cooperation among regional states, rather than relying on external powers. This call for a security dialogue with Gulf states comes as the Organisation of Islamic Co-operation (OIC) convenes a council of foreign ministers in the Iraqi capital.

Minister Hussein described the current regional security landscape as critical and complex, stating, “The security situation in the region is complex and the region, in fact, as a whole is under fire, so the first priority we need is stability and security.” He emphasized that security cannot be acquired from abroad, asserting, “We cannot buy security from abroad, we need internal security, and that internal security is the co-operation between the countries of the region.”

The OIC meeting, the first of its kind in Baghdad in 45 years, is viewed as part of Iraq's broader strategy to re-establish itself as a key regional mediator. Iraq has cultivated relationships with various regional and international players, maintaining ties with Gulf Co-operation Council states, a strategic partnership with Iran, and a security relationship with the United States.

The proposal for a region-led security framework is not new for Baghdad. Three years prior, Iraq had put forth a “6+2” initiative involving the six GCC states, Iraq, and Iran. However, Minister Hussein noted that “due to certain circumstances there was no response to this initiative.” This proposal was revisited following the outbreak of the Iran war in February.

The current push for regional security cooperation occurs amidst a period of heightened instability, marked by the conflict in Gaza, escalations in Lebanon and the Red Sea, ongoing tensions with Iran, and threats to maritime navigation in the Gulf. “Recently there have been important contacts between the concerned countries, especially between Gulf states, Iraq and Iran, to activate this initiative,” Hussein added. He expressed Iraq's commitment to hosting a meeting on the matter, contingent on “intensive contacts” to finalize arrangements.

During such a meeting, key issues like regional security, de-escalation of conflicts, and peace initiatives would be addressed. The 6+2 concept is presented by Baghdad as a pragmatic approach recognizing the shared security and economic interests of the eight Gulf coastal states, encompassing oil exports, freedom of navigation, climate change, and water scarcity, irrespective of political differences.

The economic dimension is a significant aspect of Iraq's proposal. Baghdad is advancing its Development Road project, aiming to connect the Gulf to Turkey and Europe, while Gulf states are exploring investments in Iraq's energy and infrastructure sectors. Officials in Baghdad argue that these economic ventures are jeopardized by persistent regional confrontation and reliance on external security arrangements.

Minister Hussein concluded by stressing that regional countries, not foreign powers, should spearhead peace efforts. “The priority is about security and stability, and I believe it is incumbent upon our countries, the countries of the region, to put forward initiatives on how to achieve security and peace, not foreign countries,” he stated. He further elaborated that foreign powers often prioritize their own interests, whereas regional nations are the primary stakeholders. Iraq, with the support of the OIC Secretary General Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed, will continue diplomatic efforts to achieve this objective.