Iranian foreign minister Araghchi met Iraq foreign minister Hussein on the sidelines of the 81st UN General Assembly in New York on Tuesday to review economic, trade, consular and security cooperation and to pledge deeper bilateral ties. Araghchi outlined recent developments in Strait of Hormuz shipping, saying Iran and Oman have reached an understanding to establish a commercial shipping safety corridor. He blamed the United States and Israel for current insecurity in the strait and said restoring safety requires the US to stop actions that create instability. Araghchi urged regional states to prevent third parties using their territory or facilities to prepare or carry out operations against Iran and reiterated Iran’s resolve to defend its sovereignty and national interests.(金十)