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Baghdad, Iraq – Iraq on Tuesday formally welcomed the announcement of a two-week ceasefire between the United States and Iran, describing the development as a significant step towards reducing tensions and fostering greater security and stability across the volatile Middle East region.
In an official statement released by the Iraqi Foreign Ministry, the country expressed strong support for the truce, which was announced by US President Donald Trump just hours before an ultimatum he had issued to Tehran was set to expire. The ministry said the ceasefire would help “reduce tensions, enhance prospects for calm, and strengthen security and stability” in the region, according to the Iraqi News Agency (INA).
The statement emphasised Iraq’s backing for “any regional and international efforts” aimed at containing crises through dialogue and diplomatic channels. It urged all parties to fully adhere to the ceasefire agreement and avoid any provocative actions that could undermine the fragile truce or reignite hostilities.
“We call for building on this positive step by launching serious and sustained dialogue to address the root causes of disputes and build mutual trust between the parties,” the ministry added. Iraq also reaffirmed its commitment to a “balanced diplomatic approach,” positioning itself as a mediator and supporter of peace initiatives while stressing respect for state sovereignty, good neighbourly relations, and non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries.
The ceasefire announcement came after weeks of escalating rhetoric and military posturing between Washington and Tehran. President Trump revealed that he had agreed “to suspend the bombing and attack of Iran for a period of two weeks.” The declaration was made less than two hours before a deadline he had set for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and accept a broader agreement, or face what he described as the potential “destruction of an entire civilization.”
The Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global oil shipments, has been at the centre of recent tensions, with threats of closure raising fears of a major disruption to energy supplies and a sharp spike in global oil prices. Iraq, as a major oil producer and neighbour to both Iran and key US allies in the Gulf, has much at stake in any de-escalation.
Analysts say Iraq’s swift and positive response reflects its delicate geopolitical balancing act. The country maintains strong ties with both the United States — its key security partner in the fight against ISIS remnants — and Iran, its influential neighbour with deep religious, cultural, and economic connections to Iraq’s Shia majority population. Baghdad has repeatedly positioned itself as a bridge-builder in regional conflicts, particularly between Gulf Arab states and Iran.
“This ceasefire, even if temporary, provides a much-needed breathing space,” said Dr. Ahmed al-Rubaie, a senior Iraqi political analyst based in Baghdad. “Iraq has suffered enormously from previous US-Iran confrontations on its soil. Any reduction in tensions directly benefits Iraqi sovereignty and economic recovery.”
The two-week window is expected to be used for intensive diplomatic engagements, possibly involving mediators from Oman, Qatar, or European nations. Iraqi officials have indicated they are ready to facilitate talks if requested, drawing on their experience hosting previous rounds of regional dialogues.
The Iraqi Foreign Ministry’s statement also highlighted the broader implications for the region. Continued instability in the Gulf has hampered Iraq’s reconstruction efforts, displaced communities, and strained its relationships with international partners. A successful truce could open doors for renewed economic cooperation, improved trade routes, and enhanced energy security.
For ordinary Iraqis, the news has been received with cautious optimism. Many residents in Baghdad and southern provinces expressed relief that an all-out conflict had been averted, at least for now. “We have lived through enough wars,” said Fatima Hassan, a teacher in Basra. “Any ceasefire that stops bombs and brings calm is welcome, but we need a real, lasting solution.”
The United States and Iran have been locked in a long-standing standoff over Tehran’s nuclear programme, regional proxy activities, and ballistic missile capabilities. The recent escalation, which reportedly included limited US strikes on Iranian targets, had raised fears of a wider war that could engulf multiple countries, including Iraq.
President Trump’s announcement was welcomed by several Gulf states, while Iran has so far remained relatively measured in its public response, according to diplomatic sources. European allies and China have also called for restraint and a return to negotiations.
Iraq’s balanced position is consistent with its foreign policy under Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani, who has prioritised economic reform and regional de-escalation while maintaining strategic partnerships with both Washington and Tehran. The country has hosted multiple high-level meetings aimed at reducing Gulf tensions in recent years.
Security experts warn, however, that the two-week period is only a temporary pause. Without addressing core issues — including sanctions relief, nuclear verification, and maritime security in the Gulf — the ceasefire could collapse quickly. Iraq has therefore called for “sustained dialogue” to tackle these underlying problems.
As the ceasefire takes effect, attention now turns to whether both sides will use the window constructively. US officials have indicated they remain open to a comprehensive agreement, while Iranian leaders have insisted on the lifting of sanctions and guarantees against future attacks.
For Iraq, the stakes are particularly high. The country is still recovering from decades of conflict, sanctions, and the fight against terrorism. Any fresh regional war would likely result in refugee inflows, economic shocks, and potential spillover violence on Iraqi territory.
The Iraqi Foreign Ministry concluded its statement by reiterating Baghdad’s readiness to contribute positively to peace efforts. “Iraq will continue to play its constructive role in supporting regional and international endeavours aimed at achieving peace and security,” it said.
The coming days are expected to see intensified diplomatic activity, with Iraq potentially hosting informal talks or offering logistical support. Regional analysts believe Baghdad’s proactive stance could enhance its standing as a credible mediator in Middle Eastern affairs.
As the two-week ceasefire begins, cautious hope mixes with uncertainty across the region. For Iraq, Tuesday’s announcement represents not just relief from immediate threats but also an opportunity to advance its vision of a more stable and prosperous Middle East — one where dialogue triumphs over confrontation.
The world will be watching closely to see whether this fragile truce holds and evolves into something more permanent, or whether underlying tensions will once again push the region toward the brink.
