BAGHDAD/CAIRO (Dispatches) -- Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein held talks in Cairo on Tuesday with his Egyptian counterpart, Badr Abdelatty, as part of a broader diplomatic effort to address escalating regional tensions and growing security challenges confronting West Asia. 
The meeting, held on the sidelines of an Arab League ministerial gathering, focused on the potential impact of regional instability on maritime transportation and the West Asian economy.
Hussein also met with Arab League Secretary-General Nabil Fahmy, stressing the importance of opening communication channels to de-escalate tensions between Tehran and Washington. 
The discussions covered disruptions to navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and the economic impacts on Arab nations, particularly Iraq. Both Baghdad and Cairo agreed to further strengthen economic cooperation while exploring ways to enhance the trilateral coordination mechanism involving Iraq, Egypt, and Jordan.
Meanwhile, preparations for the withdrawal of U.S. forces by September 30 remain a central focus. 
Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi has declared October 1 a “new chapter” in Iraq’s history of full sovereignty, with the international coalition’s military mission ending on that date. 
National Security Advisor Qasim al-Araji confirmed the withdrawal is proceeding in stages. However, analysts remain skeptical about a complete U.S. departure, citing ambiguous clauses in the 2024 bilateral security agreement that allow for continued training and military cooperation — arrangements that could serve as a backdoor for a residual U.S. presence.
On the economic front, Türkiye’s parliament speaker voiced hope that the Development Road Project linking Iraq with Türkiye would become fully operational as soon as possible, describing it as a strategic corridor that will connect Asia and Europe. 
Iraq’s oil sector continues to show strong performance, with August exports reaching nearly 70 million barrels for the first time since the outbreak of war — generating approximately $4.5 billion in revenue. 
Iraq has committed to OPEC production quotas and is negotiating with US and Qatari companies on the Basra-Baniyas pipeline route to reduce dependence on the Strait of Hormuz.
In the Kurdistan Region, Prime Minister Masrour Barzani received Russian Ambassador Elbrus Kutrashev on Tuesday on the occasion of the ambassador’s conclusion of his diplomatic mission, with both sides stressing the importance of further strengthening bilateral relations. The meeting also addressed the broader political situation in Iraq and the region.