3 days ago
Iraq, Iran discuss rail links, regional security in Baghdad talks
Shafaq News – Baghdad
Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein met Iranian Supreme National Security Council Secretary Ali Larijani in Baghdad on Monday for talks on bilateral cooperation and regional security challenges.
The two sides reviewed the stalled Shalamcheh–Basra railway project, agreeing to accelerate demining and remove technical obstacles. They also discussed extending the line from Iran's Khosravi to Iraq's Khanaqin and Baghdad, linking it to Iraq's Development Road project to boost economic ties and religious tourism.
استقبلتُ اليوم في بغداد أمين المجلس الأعلى للأمن القومي الإيراني السيد علي لاريجاني، حيث ناقشنا تطوير العلاقات الثنائية ومشاريع الربط السككي بين #الشلامجة – #البصرة و #خسروي – #خانقين – #بغداد وإمكان ربطها بطريق التنمية، بما يعزز التعاون الاقتصادي ويخدم السياحة الدينية.
— Fuad Hussein | فؤاد حسين (@Fuad_Husseein) August 11, 2025
In addition, talks covered Israel's military campaign in Gaza, alleged plans to displace Palestinians to Egypt, and threats to annex the West Bank, as well as security risks facing Iran and the impact of the Syrian crisis on regional stability.
Hussein and Larijani underscored the need for joint regional security mechanisms and explored a UN-backed proposal for a '6+2' dialogue involving the GCC states, Iraq, and Iran on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly.
