{
  "id": 15462347,
  "title": "Iraq renews calls for pact with Gulf and says security 'cannot be brought from abroad'",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/18/iraq-renews-calls-for-pact-with-gulf-and-says-security-cannot-be-15462347",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-18T18:04:37.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The National UAE",
    "slug": "the-national-uae",
    "url": "https://www.thenationalnews.com/news/mena/2026/10/18/iraq-renews-calls-for-pact-with-gulf-and-says-security-cannot-be-brought-from-abroad/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Iraq's Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein has reiterated the nation's demand for a security dialogue with Gulf states, emphasizing that stability and security cannot be sourced externally. Addressing the Organisation of Islamic Co-operation (OIC) foreign ministers' council in Baghdad, Hussein described the security situation as urgent, stating that stability is the region's first priority. He firmly asserted that Iraq cannot purchase security from abroad; it requires internal security, achievable through regional cooperation. The high-level OIC meeting, the first in Baghdad in 45 years, reflects Iraq's intent to reassert its role as a regional mediator. Iraq's call for a homegrown security framework is not novel. Three years ago, Iraq proposed an 6+2 initiative, involving the six GCC states, Iraq, and Iran, but received no response at the time. This proposal was revisited following the outbreak of the Iran war in February. The renewed push for the 6+2 initiative coincides with heightened regional instability, stemming from conflicts like Gaza, tensions in Lebanon and the Red Sea, and ongoing disputes with Iran. Hussein highlighted recent significant contacts between the region's countries, particularly among the Gulf states, Iraq, and Iran, aimed at reviving the 6+2 initiative. He expressed optimism about holding a meeting on the issue in Baghdad but stressed the need for intensive discussions. He underscored that if such a meeting were convened, the focus would be on security, stopping the war, and initiatives to foster peace and stability. Hussein argued that regional countries must spearhead peace initiatives rather than foreign powers, as their interests and the region's people are the true stakeholders in achieving security and stability.",
  "summary": "Iraq ’s Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein said on Sunday that stability in the Middle East must come from within the region itself, not from external powers, renewing calls for a security dialogue with Gulf states. Speaking after the Organisation of Islamic Co-operation (OIC) held a council of foreign ministers in Baghdad, Mr Hussein described the security situation as critical. “The security…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "The National Business",
        "title": "GCC urges Russia to press Iran to halt attacks as Lavrov proposes Gulf security framework",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/18/gcc-urges-russia-to-press-iran-to-halt-attacks-as-lavrov-proposes",
        "published": "2026-10-18T14:35:24.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}