BAGHDAD, Iraq - The 34th Arab League Summit, hosted in Baghdad on May 17, 2025, concluded with a unified call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and support for US-Iran nuclear talks [1][2]. The 'Baghdad Declaration', issued at the end of the summit, emphasized the centrality of the Palestinian cause and rejected the forced displacement of Palestinians [1].

Arab leaders reaffirmed their commitment to Palestinian rights, including the establishment of an independent state with full sovereignty [1]. The declaration condemned "all illegal actions and practices by the Israeli aggression" and called for an immediate end to hostilities that increase civilian suffering in Gaza [1][2].

The summit also addressed other regional issues. It condemned Israeli attacks on Syria and stressed the need for a political solution to end the conflict in Sudan [2]. The leaders expressed appreciation for Saudi Arabia's efforts to lift sanctions on Syria [2].

In a significant development, the Arab leaders voiced their support for talks between Tehran and Washington regarding the Iranian nuclear file [1]. This marks a notable shift in regional dynamics, potentially paving the way for decreased tensions in the Middle East.

The summit saw participation from Arab heads of state, as well as UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez [5]. It followed an emergency meeting held in Cairo in March 2025, where Arab leaders adopted a plan for Gaza's reconstruction, including the return of the Palestinian Authority to the strip [5].

The Baghdad Declaration also emphasized the importance of united Arab action to address regional challenges and called for integrated cooperation across all fields [4]. The summit's outcomes reflect a concerted effort by Arab nations to play a more active role in resolving regional conflicts and shaping the future of the Middle East.

As the summit concluded, Baghdad's streets, adorned with flags of the 22 Arab states, returned to normalcy [5]. The Iraqi government's successful hosting of this significant event, the first in Baghdad since 2012, underscores the country's improving stability and its re-emergence as a key player in regional diplomacy.