Israel’s occupation ‘root cause’ of insecurity gripping West Asia: Iran FM

Iran's foreign minister has denounced Israel’s warmongering in West Asia, saying insecurity in the region emanates from the regime’s occupation and land theft policies.

Abbas Araghchi made the remarks on Saturday during a meeting with Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Falih Al-Zaidi on the sidelines of the 52nd Session of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in Baghdad.

“The root cause of insecurity in West Asia is Israel’s occupation and expansionist policies. Over the past three years in particular, alongside genocide in Palestine, Israel has launched military aggressions against Lebanon, Syria, and Iran, thereby jeopardizing peace and security worldwide,” Araghchi said.

He also emphasized Iran’s commitment to using diplomacy in a bid to prevent further escalation of insecurity.

However, he added, the United States has repeatedly obstructed diplomatic efforts by reneging on its commitments and resorting to force, undermining the security of international commercial shipping.

Iran has been attacked twice in the midst of talks over its peaceful nuclear program.

The US and the Israeli regime waged their first illegal war against Iran, which lasted 12 days, in June 2025. Their second aggression began on February 28, 2026, and came to a halt in early April after 40 days.

In both wars, Iran’s resistance and successful retaliatory operations forced the aggressors to accept a ceasefire.

Iran has also maintained a tight grip on the Strait of Hormuz since the early days of the second imposed war amid the US’s acts of mischief in the region.

FM @araghchi met with H.E. Ali Falih Al -Zaidy @AliFalihAlzaidy, Prime Minister of Iraq, on the sidelines of the 52nd OIC Council of Foreign Ministers in Baghdad.

— IraninOIC (@IraninOIC) October 18, 2026

- FM @araghchi thanked Iraq’s government and people for hosting the meeting.

- Stressed the need to make greater… pic.twitter.com/P5utcLCb2q

Additionally during the meeting, Araghchi and Zaidi discussed the latest regional developments, including the Saudi Arabia-Yemen conflict, as well as ways to help end the naval blockade of Yemen and de-escalate tensions.

The top Iranian diplomat further stressed the need to make greater use of the OIC’s capacities to address challenges facing the Muslim world, particularly the Palestinian issue and Israel’s expansionist policies and warmongering.

Highlighting the excellent Iran-Iraq ties, he also reaffirmed Tehran’s determination to further strengthen its relations with Baghdad across all areas of mutual interest.