BAGHDAD, Sunday, June 28, 2026 (WNP): Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi held separate meetings on Sunday with Iraqi Prime Minister’s Chief of Staff Ihsan al-Awadi and National Security Advisor Qasim al-Aboudi during his official visit to Baghdad, with discussions focusing on bilateral cooperation, regional security and coordination for forthcoming funeral ceremonies for Iran’s late Supreme Leader.

According to Iranian and Iraqi media reports, the meetings reviewed the latest regional developments and explored ways to further strengthen cooperation and coordination between Tehran and Baghdad on issues of mutual interest.

Earlier in the day, Araghchi held a joint press conference with Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein, where he said one of the principal objectives of his visit was to coordinate arrangements for the funeral procession of the late Supreme Leader in the Iraqi holy cities of Baghdad, Kadhimiya, Karbala and Najaf.

“Millions of Iraqis have announced their readiness and requested to participate in this funeral,” Araghchi said, adding that coordination with Iraqi authorities regarding ceremonies at the country’s holy shrines remained a central focus of his discussions.

The Iranian foreign minister’s visit comes amid continued diplomatic engagement in the region following the June 17 Memorandum of Understanding between Iran and the United States, which called for an immediate cessation of military operations and a renewed commitment to dialogue aimed at reducing regional tensions.

During his stay in Baghdad, Araghchi also met Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi, President Nizar Amidi and Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein.

The talks covered a broad range of bilateral and regional issues, including political and economic cooperation, border security, Iraq’s financial obligations to Iran and measures to prevent anti-Iran militant groups from operating from Iraqi territory.

The meetings underscored the close coordination between Tehran and Baghdad on regional affairs and reflected both countries’ commitment to enhancing bilateral relations while supporting efforts to promote peace, security and stability across the Middle East.