UPDATE - Iraqi premier, Iranian foreign minister hold talks on regional developments

CHANGES HEADLINE, LEDE, UPDATES WITH IRAQI PREMIER, IRANIAN FOREIGN MINISTER MEETING

By Rasa Evrensel

ISTANBUL (AA) - Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammad Shia al-Sudani on Friday discussed escalating tensions and regional developments with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in Baghdad.

According to a statement from the Iraqi Prime Minister's Office, the meeting focused on bilateral relations and regional developments, particularly the situation in Syria, Gaza, and Lebanon.

Sudani reaffirmed Iraq's unwavering support for Syria's unity, security, and stability, stressing the importance of respecting Syrian sovereignty.

"The events in Syria cannot be separated from those in Gaza and Lebanon, as together they threaten the security and stability of the region," the prime minister said.

Earlier, a trilateral meeting between the foreign ministers of Iraq, Iran, and Syria convened in Baghdad to discuss the ongoing Syrian crisis.

The meeting included Araghchi, Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein, and his Syrian counterpart Bassam Sabbagh.

According to Iraq’s official news agency INA, the talks took place at the Iraqi Foreign Ministry in Baghdad, although no further details were immediately provided.

The discussions come at a critical time, with Syrian opposition factions engaging in clashes with regime forces in several regions since Nov. 27.

The anti-regime forces have gained control of Idlib province in the north and most of Aleppo province, advancing into Hama in central Syria and captured it as of Thursday after extensive clashes for days.

*Writing by Ikram Kouachi