Baghdad: Iraq's Foreign Ministry summoned Iran's ambassador to Baghdad to seek clarification over social media posts by some Iranian diplomatic missions abroad featuring maps of the region, the Iraqi News Agency (INA) reported Wednesday. The ministry stated that Undersecretary for Multilateral Affairs and Legal Affairs Shorsh Khalid Said called upon Iranian Ambassador Mohammad Kazem Al-e Sadeq to discuss the posts and accompanying positions and comments that 'do not suit the depth of relations between the two countries.'
According to Anadolu Agency, the move followed a public exchange between Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf and his Iraqi counterpart Haibat al-Halbousi over the naming of the body of water separating Iran from the Arabian Peninsula. During a visit to Baghdad last week, Qalibaf posted a photograph of himself in front of a regional map using Iran's preferred designation for the waterway. Halbousi responded the following day by posting a photograph in front of a map using the designation commonly used by Iraq and other Arab states.
The dispute escalated after the Iranian Embassy in Kenya published a post featuring a regional map and comments about the historical and linguistic origins of the names 'Iraq' and 'Baghdad.' During the meeting, the Iraqi official emphasized the importance of continued consultation and coordination between Baghdad and Tehran on current regional developments and their repercussions, particularly for Iraq.
He also highlighted the need to resolve outstanding regional issues and disagreements through diplomatic channels and dialogue to contribute to regional security and stability. The two sides discussed strengthening bilateral relations through reciprocal visits, coordination at international forums and organizations, and cooperation in political, economic, and security fields.
The Iranian ambassador expressed Tehran's readiness to continue cooperation and coordination with Iraq, citing the two countries' historical and social ties and the importance of ongoing consultations on issues of mutual interest.