Baghdad: Speaker of Parliament Haibat al-Halbousi has disclosed the behind-the-scenes discussions of a recent meeting with Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, addressing the tensions over the “Arabian Gulf” terminology incident.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, al-Halbousi, during his participation in the 8th Baghdad Dialogue Conference, recounted the details of the meeting held in the Parliament building. He addressed Iraq’s grievances concerning the lack of preferential treatment in oil exports tied to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz and diplomatic relations. The discussion veered into geographical terminology when Ghalibaf referred to the “Arabian Gulf,” prompting al-Halbousi to remind him of historical maps showing names like Arabian Gulf and Basra Gulf. The dialogue further explored legislative exchanges and potential friendship committees between the Iraqi and Iranian parliaments.

Al-Halbousi highlighted a specific incident during the joint parliamentary meeting when Ghalibaf used the term “Persian Gulf.” Al-Halbousi interrupted to remind him of their prior discussion. Ghalibaf responded that they do not use that name, and the conversation continued until a suggestion emerged to use “Islamic Gulf” as a neutral term.

Following the departure of the Iranian delegation, al-Halbousi was informed about Ghalibaf’s post featuring the “Persian Gulf” image. Al-Halbousi immediately reached out to Foreign Minister Fuad Hossein, who then contacted his Iranian counterpart, Abbas Araqchi, to seek clarification. Al-Halbousi decided to address the matter through official diplomatic channels.