ERBIL, Kurdistan Region of Iraq - Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein and his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi on Sunday emphasized "non-interference in internal affairs” in a joint presser, as nationwide protests have gripped Iran for several weeks, and Washington threatens military intervention.

Hussein arrived in Tehran on Sunday to meet with top Iranian officials, including his counterpart Araghchi, as Tehran grapples with countrywide anti-government protests,  with Washington in recent weeks threatening Tehran with a potential military intervention if it continues its heavy crackdown on protesters or expands its nuclear and missile programs.

“While emphasizing the necessity of non-interference in the internal affairs of countries, we agreed on the continuation of consultations to confront regional challenges,” the top Iraqi diplomat told the press conference.

The Islamic republic has warned of strong retaliation, threatening to target US bases across the region, including in Iraq.

Speaking to "recent events in Iran, I provided a detailed report to the Iraqi Foreign Minister. We appreciate the Iraqi government's positions in support and solidarity with the Iranian people,” the Iranian foreign minister said.

Iran has been engulfed in nationwide protests since late last year, as business owners and shopkeepers at Tehran’s Grand Bazaar went on strike and staged demonstrations over the falling value of the Iranian rial against the US dollar.

The unrest later spread to other provinces, with chants increasingly targeting the state, prompting a harsh crackdown by authorities. Rights monitors report that at least 3,000 protesters have been killed, more than 2,000 injured, and over 22,000 arrested. Iran has labeled the protesters “rioters” and accused them of being agents of the US and Israel.

On a separate note, Araghchi hailed Iraq’s stability and role in the region, pointing to “the withdrawal of American military forces from Ain al-Asad base and the end of UNAMI's mission," as "clear signs of the consolidation of independence, stability, and national sovereignty in Iraq."

US servicemembers fully pulled out of Iraq's key Ain al-Asad base on Saturday as Baghdad and Washington’s relationship moves towards an advisory form. The Iraqi army announced Sunday that it had taken full control of the base.

The United Nations' Assistance Mission for Iraq's (UNAMI) meanwhile, ceased its operations at the request of the Iraqi government after December 31, 2025, finishing a final 19-month extention of its mandate that was introduced in May 2024 by the UN Security Council.

“Iran has always sought a strong and independent Iraq and believes that this country has the necessary capacity to play a key role in regional peace and stability,” he added.