BAGHDAD, May 23 (Xinhua) -- Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein and his Iranian counterpart, Seyed Abbas Araghchi, discussed the latest developments in negotiations between Iran and the United States during a phone call, Iraq's Foreign Ministry said Saturday.
During the call Friday evening, Araghchi briefed Hussein on progress made in the ongoing talks, particularly regarding a new negotiating paper discussed during the latest round of negotiations, according to a ministry statement.
Hussein stressed the need to end military operations in the Strait of Hormuz as soon as possible and to work toward lifting the blockade on Iran.
The two ministers also highlighted Pakistan's role in facilitating the negotiations and underscored the importance of Qatar's engagement at the current stage.
Iran, the United States and Israel reached a ceasefire on April 8 after 40 days of fighting triggered by U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran on Feb. 28.
Following the truce, Iranian and U.S. delegations held a round of talks in Islamabad on April 11 and 12, but failed to reach an agreement.
In recent weeks, the two sides have reportedly exchanged several proposals outlining conditions for ending the conflict through Pakistani mediation. ■
