Iraq calls for '6+2' format meeting to address regional development and security

Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein has proposed a "6+2" format meeting bringing together Iran, Iraq, and the six Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states to address regional developments on the side lines of the United Nations General Assembly.

The proposal to hold a meeting in the (6+2) format was put forward during Hussein’s meeting with Ali Larijani, Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, on Monday.

According to a statement from the Iraqi Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the two parties emphasized the importance of establishing joint regional security mechanisms and discussed the UN Secretary-General’s initiative on regional security.

Iranian and Iraqi senior officials discussed regional and security developments, including the situation in Gaza, highlighting "the threat posed by the Zionist entity’s occupation of the Strip and its efforts to forcibly displace residents to Egyptian territory."

They also addressed ongoing developments in Syria and their implications for regional stability.

In addition, the two sides discussed bilateral relations, including the Shalamcheh-Basra railway project and the challenges hindering its completion—such as mine removal and other logistical obstacles. It was agreed that relevant authorities from both countries would follow-up to find practical solutions.

The statement also noted that the idea of extending a strategic railway line from Iran’s Khosravi area to Khanaqin and Baghdad was discussed. Both parties emphasized the importance of initiating studies on the project, highlighting its potential to strengthen economic ties, boost religious tourism, and possibly connect to the Development Road project in the future.

During Ali Larijani’s visit to Baghdad, Iran and Iraq signed a security agreement, which he described as a model for regional security cooperation—one that could potentially be expanded to include other countries in the region.

The Iran's top security official stressed that the deal aims to safeguard mutual security by fostering closer coordination between Iran and Iraq.

Ali Larijani will continue his first regional trip by visiting Lebanon.

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