Iran's Acting Foreign Minister Ali Bagheri Kani emphasized the importance of reducing tensions and resolving conflicts throughout West Asia, noting that Iran and Iraq are key pillars of security in this strategic region in a joint presser with Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein in Baghdad on Thursday.

Highlighting the current regional developments and the need to alleviate tensions, Bagheri Kani remarked, "Iran and Iraq are two main pillars in the region and are responsible for the promotion of the security of the region."

The Iranian diplomat condemned the situation in the Gaza Strip, saying it was a war crime and a genocide that must end. 

"Islamic countries should use their power to stop the crimes of the Zionist regime in Gaza. The genocide in Gaza must unconditionally stop. Due to their failure in Gaza, the Zionists may commit another folly and expand the scope of their aggression," he said. 

Bagheri Kani also addressed the flow of US military aid and weapons into "Israel", calling for the obstruction of all military support to the occupation. He further noted the irony the United States has exhibited throughout the genocide in Gaza, saying the US "cannot support Israel by supplying weapons while pretending to be after peace and propose initiatives to end the war."

He further highlighted Iranian and Iraqi unity in positions against the Israeli genocide in Gaza, affirming that both nations agree that the war must end and humanitarian aid must flow into Gaza to meet the needs of Palestinians. In this context, Bagheri Kani asserted that cooperation between Islamic nations could be key to achieving those objectives. 

On his part, Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein expressed his condolences for the passing of the late Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and stated that Bagheri Kani's visit to Iraq signals the ongoing relationship between the neighboring countries.

Hussein also emphasized the importance of consultations to address regional tensions.

"We do not need a temporary ceasefire but a permanent one in Gaza. We support a lasting ceasefire in Gaza," he stated, adding, "The security situation in the region is on fire, and we warn against the spread of war."

Hussein highlighted the Israeli occupation's attacks on Lebanon, saying, "Aggression on southern Lebanon will have serious consequences for the region."

Ali Bagheri Kani arrived in Iraq on Thursday for a two-day visit to bolster bilateral ties between both countries, as well as discuss the latest developments in the region. 

Iran, Iraq to strengthen bilateral ties in pursuit of Raisi's legacy

In late May, Iraqi President Abdul Latif Rashid met with interim Iranian President Mohammad Mokhber in Tehran, on an official visit to pay Iraq's condolences following the passing of the late President Ebrahim Raisi and his companions. 

Both officials praised late president Ebrahim Raisi's focus on improving ties with neighboring nations.

"Our martyred president did great actions and made important achievements. Perhaps one of his most outstanding actions was to raise the level of Iran's relations with Islamic, neighboring, and aligned countries, which was honestly very successful in that regard," Mokhber said.

The acting president of Iran stated that late President Raisi prioritized relations with Iraq and played a significant role in bolstering the Axis of Resistance, which disrupted global power dynamics by aligning with independent nations and challenging US and Israeli attempted hegemony, particularly amid the ongoing Israeli genocide in the Gaza Strip.

On his part, the Iraqi president, offering his condolences, said, "His [President Raisi] martyrdom was a great loss and unparalleled tragedy not only for the Iranian nation but also for the Iraqi nation and the entire region," vowing that the Iraqi government and nation will stand by the government and nation of Iran during these difficult times.

Rashid then concluded by saying, "Our strong relations with the Islamic Republic of Iran will continue with force and we will take all necessary measures to strengthen the level of these relations."