At a Glance

• Iraqi President Nizar Amedi met Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian in Antalya on the sidelines of COP31.

• Amedi stressed that dialogue and understanding should resolve issues instead of violence.

• Pezeshkian commended Iraq's active role in supporting regional security and stability.

Iraqi President Nizar Amedi met with Iranian counterpart Masoud Pezeshkian on Wednesday on the sidelines of the COP31 summit in Antalya, calling for dialogue and regional cooperation to ease tensions and expand bilateral ties.

Key Statements and Focus Area

• The Iraqi Presidency said President Nizar Amedi “stressed that dialogue and understanding should guide efforts to address outstanding issues and end instability, rather than resorting to violence or escalation.”

• According to the presidency, President Pezeshkian “praised Iraq’s efforts to end regional crises and commended its active role in supporting regional security, stability, and development.”

Also in attendance were Iraqi Minister of Water Resources Muthanna al-Tamimi, Minister of Environment Sarwa Abdul Wahid, Iraqi MP Yousif al-Kilaby, and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.

Both sides discussed bilateral relations, with President Amedi emphasizing the strong ties between their countries and the need to expand cooperation in areas of mutual interest.

Amedi urged joint regional and international action to resolve ongoing crises and reduce tensions.

Meanwhile, Pezeshkian reaffirmed Iran’s commitment to ongoing coordination and cooperation with neighboring Iraq across multiple sectors.

FYI

The 31st United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP31) is taking place in Antalya, Türkiye, from November 9 to 20, bringing together world leaders to discuss climate adaptation, emissions reductions, and environmental financing. 

President Amedi, a former Iraqi Minister of Environment who assumed the presidency in April 2026, is leading Iraq's delegation to highlight the country's severe drought and water scarcity challenges. 

Iraq and Iran share transboundary river basins and extensive economic ties, though Baghdad has frequently raised concerns over upstream dam construction and reduced water flows from neighboring states. 

Meanwhile, the talks occur against the backdrop of heightened regional instability following the broader Middle East conflict that erupted earlier in 2026, with Iraq consistently advocating for diplomatic de-escalation. 

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