Iraq’s Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein and Portugal’s Foreign Minister Paulo Rangel held a phone call addressing the escalating conflict in the Middle East. Hussein stressed that the continuation of war poses a direct threat to Iraq’s oil export capabilities, which could negatively affect global energy supply and markets. This raises concerns for international economic stability given Iraq’s significant role in oil production. Portugal’s minister warned that the conflict now threatens to spread to other nations in the region, complicating efforts at peace. He affirmed Portugal’s intention to work through the European Union and potentially NATO to promote a ceasefire and... [Continue Reading]