BAGHDAD, Sept. 19 (Xinhua) -- The Iraqi Foreign Minister Mohammed al-Hakim on Thursday held a phone call with the Arab League (AL) Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit to discuss regional issues and confronting terrorism.

A statement by the foreign ministry said that Hakim discussed with Gheit "the efforts of the AL in promoting joint Arab action and consolidating the principle of solidarity in the face of challenges and problems."

Hakim said "Iraq welcomes any efforts exerted by the AL in the framework of resolving crises, maintaining regional stability, and achieving the interests and aspirations of Arab peoples," the statement said.

He also called for intensifying joint action with the aim of fighting terrorism, which represents the main threat to the interests of the countries in the region.

The Middle East region has been witnessing escalating tensions between Washington and Tehran in recent months.

The U.S. has also increased its military presence in the region in recent months, blaming Iran for a series of attacks on oil tankers in the Gulf waters.