Iraqi Foreign Minister Warns Middle East May Be Plunged into War Again

On the 7th local time, Iraqi Foreign Minister Hussein said in a media interview that the current situation indicates the Middle East may see a renewed outbreak of war. Hussein noted that Iraq has lost approximately US$60 billion due to the stagnation of oil exports through the Strait of Hormuz, and that after reaching agreements with the United States and Iran, Iraq resumed oil exports through the Strait of Hormuz. He stated that the United States has formally requested the closure of all border crossings between Iraq and Iran except for two. Iraq has also notified Iran that it accepts developing friendly alliance relations with it but rejects its interference in Iraq's internal affairs. There are indications that external forces are using Iraqi territory to attack neighboring countries. (CCTV)