BREAKING: Iraq Seeks to Facilitate Direct Talks Between Iran and the United States in Baghdad

Iraq is actively working to organize a direct meeting between Iranian and American officials in Baghdad, Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani announced, underscoring Baghdad’s role as a potential mediator in tensions that have stalled official communication for months. (ایران اینترنشنال | Iran International)

Al-Sudani told Lebanon’s Al-Mayadeen TV that while Iraq is pursuing a bilateral dialogue, progress has been hindered by a lack of mutual trust and ongoing hostile rhetoric from both sides. He said that although discussions have taken place in various forums, “commitments and the language of threats” remain significant obstacles to advancing formal talks. (ایران اینترنشنال | Iran International)

During a recent visit by U.S. envoy Tom Barrack to Baghdad, al-Sudani said he encouraged closer alignment of views between Tehran and Washington, emphasizing that any negotiations must be conducted with respect. (ایران اینترنشنال | Iran International)

Earlier this year, the U.S. and Iran held five rounds of negotiations over Tehran’s nuclear program, but failed to reach an agreement by the deadline set by President Donald Trump. When talks expired on June 13 without progress, Israel launched surprise attacks on Iranian nuclear sites, followed by U.S. strikes targeting facilities in Isfahan, Natanz, and Fordow. (ایران اینترنشنال | Iran International)

Al-Sudani noted that a key issue for Iran is building trust. “It is unacceptable to agree to terms and then see attacks occur hours later,” he explained, reflecting Tehran’s deep skepticism following military actions. (ایران اینترنشنال | Iran International)

The dispute over Iran’s nuclear ambitions remains highly contentious. Iranian officials, including Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, have described past U.S. overtures as framing negotiations in terms of either continued conflict or complete dismantling of Iran’s enrichment and missile capabilities — demands Tehran rejects as violations of its rights under the nuclear non-proliferation framework. (ایران اینترنشنال | Iran International)

At the UN Security Council earlier this week, the United States reiterated it is open to structured negotiations if Iran agrees to direct talks and relinquishes its uranium enrichment program. Tehran’s ambassador countered that meaningful negotiations must respect Iran’s legal rights and insisted that the country will not succumb to pressure or intimidation. (ایران اینترنشنال | Iran International)