Iraq on Tuesday welcomed the announcement of a two-week ceasefire between the United States and Iran, describing the development as a positive step toward “strengthening security and stability” across the region.
In an official statement, the Iraqi Foreign Ministry said it “welcomes the announcement of a ceasefire between the United States and Iran” and emphasized that the move is expected to “reduce tensions, enhance prospects for calm, and strengthen security and stability” in the Gulf and wider Middle East, according to the Iraqi News Agency (INA).
The ministry highlighted Iraq’s support for any regional or international initiatives aimed at crisis containment, prioritizing dialogue, and promoting diplomatic solutions to ongoing conflicts. It called on all parties to fully respect the ceasefire and refrain from any actions that could escalate tensions or undermine the fragile peace, stressing that adherence is crucial for sustaining calm and avoiding further instability.
“We stress the importance of building on this positive step by launching serious and sustained dialogue to address the root causes of disputes and foster mutual trust among nations,” the statement said. The ministry added that Iraq would continue to play a constructive role, using its diplomatic channels to support efforts toward lasting peace in the region.
Iraq also reaffirmed its commitment to a balanced foreign policy approach, stressing respect for state sovereignty, the principles of non-interference, and the promotion of good neighborly relations. “Our country remains dedicated to supporting initiatives that enhance regional and international peace and security while protecting the territorial integrity of all states,” the statement added.
The announcement comes amid heightened tensions in the Middle East, following the US and Israel’s joint offensive against Iran launched on February 28, which resulted in over 1,340 fatalities, including the death of then-Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. In response, Iran carried out retaliatory drone and missile strikes against Israel, as well as targets in Jordan, Iraq, and Gulf states hosting US military assets. Iran also restricted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical corridor for global oil transportation, intensifying concerns about regional security and the stability of international energy markets.
US President Donald Trump announced Tuesday that he had agreed to “suspend the bombing and attack of Iran for a period of two weeks.” The ceasefire announcement came just under two hours before a self-imposed deadline for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and accept an agreement, which Trump warned could otherwise result in what he described as the destruction of “an entire civilization.”
Iraq’s response underscores its strategic position as a regional actor capable of mediating tensions between conflicting powers. By welcoming the ceasefire and advocating for diplomatic engagement, Baghdad is positioning itself as a stabilizing force in a region under significant strain from military confrontations and geopolitical rivalries.
The Iraqi Foreign Ministry stressed that the temporary halt in hostilities should be leveraged as an opportunity to engage in meaningful dialogue that addresses underlying grievances, builds mutual trust, and prevents renewed escalation. Officials emphasized that diplomacy and sustained communication between conflicting parties are essential to achieving lasting regional stability.
Furthermore, Iraq’s statement highlighted the importance of international cooperation, noting that collaboration with regional partners, neighboring states, and global institutions is critical to reinforcing peace and security. It stressed that unilateral actions or violations of the ceasefire could undermine these efforts and jeopardize broader regional stability.
In conclusion, Iraq hailed the two-week US-Iran ceasefire as a constructive step that offers a window for diplomacy, dialogue, and trust-building. The country reaffirmed its role as a neutral mediator dedicated to supporting regional peace initiatives, upholding state sovereignty, and promoting the safe and secure passage of international trade through critical waterways like the Strait of Hormuz. By doing so, Iraq seeks to mitigate the risk of renewed conflict and ensure that the ceasefire serves as a foundation for longer-term negotiations and stability across the Gulf and the Middle East.
