Iraqi Foreign Minister Mohammed al-Hakim (R) and his Iranian counterpart Mohammad Javad Zarif. (Photo: Reuters)

Mr. al-Hakim said Iraq stands side by side with Iran, adding that an economic blockade is useless and severely harms the Iranian people, and Iraq objects to Washington’s unilateral measures against Tehran. 

Iraqi parliament speaker Mohamad al-Halbousi said the same day he wants Baghdad to become the main force in easing Tehran-Washington tension. Foreign Minister Zarif also said Iran wants no military escalation and is ready for any idea to cool the situation down.