Baghdad:Iran will advocate for regional security arrangements free from foreign interference during the 52nd session of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), as conveyed by Iran's ambassador to Iraq, Mohammad Kazem Al-e Sadegh, in a statement to IRNA. The assembly will also address opposition to Israeli military actions and emphasize stronger economic cooperation among Islamic nations.
According to Islamic Republic News Agency, the meeting is scheduled for October 17-18, 2026, under the theme 'Dialogue and Solidarity Two Essential Pillars for Promoting Peace and Sustainable Development.' This event marks the first time Baghdad is hosting the gathering in over four decades, providing Iraq with an opportunity to enhance its diplomatic standing in the Islamic community.
Al-e Sadegh highlighted the mounting challenges facing the Islamic world, including issues in Palestine, Lebanon, Syria, Yemen, Sudan, and Afghanistan, as well as the military actions by the US and Israel against Iran and tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan. He emphasized the necessity for the meeting to move beyond statements and develop practical mechanisms to stop Israeli aggression, resolve disputes through dialogue, and uphold the national sovereignty of member states. The ambassador stated that true peace requires ending occupations and respecting Muslim peoples' rights to self-determination.
With Iraq holding the rotating presidency of the OIC ministerial council, Al-e Sadegh noted it as an opportunity for Baghdad to foster dialogue and strengthen ties among Arab and regional countries. He believes Iraq's geographic position and balanced diplomatic approach can contribute to advancing collective security, economic exchanges, and peaceful conflict resolution.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi is leading the Iranian delegation at the meeting. He is expected to present Tehran's positions on recent regional developments and propose measures to support Palestinian and Lebanese people. The delegation also aims to engage in extensive bilateral and multilateral consultations with foreign ministers from other Islamic countries to enhance direct communication, reduce misunderstandings, and pursue collaborative projects.
Al-e Sadegh further mentioned that Araghchi's frequent visits to Iraq underscore the strategic importance of their bilateral relations, highlighting cooperation in security, judicial and economic sectors, as well as infrastructure, transit, and border management.