Iran Lauds Iraq’s Crackdown on Terrorists

In a meeting with former Iraqi Vice-President Adel Abdul-Mahdi in Tehran, the Iranian foreign minister commended the Iraqi government for taking decisive action in the fight against terrorism, saying the popular support for counter-terrorism is a sign that the Iraqi nation supports its government.

He also expressed the hope that neighboring Iraq would weather the current conditions through national unity and solidarity.

Stability and security of Iraq would have an important role in security of the whole region, Zarif underlined.

Earlier in the day, Iran’s foreign ministry spokeswoman stated that Tehran will continue to support Baghdad in its efforts to fight terrorists, and hoped that the Iraqi government would succeed in stemming the tide of terrorism and extremism in the Arab country.

“The Islamic Republic of Iran has supported the Iraqi government’s measures to battle against terrorism and extremism, and will continue to give such support,” Marziyeh Afkham said in her weekly press conference here in Tehran Tuesday.

In relevant comments on Sunday, Deputy Chief of Staff of Iran's Armed Forces Brigadier General Mohammad Hejazi had ruled out the possibility of any military assistance to Iraq that might include a joint operation with the US forces.

The commander had announced that Iran is prepared to help Iraq confront terrorists if asked by Baghdad, adding that the assistance would be limited to military equipment or consultation.

“Iraq is our friend, and if it needs military equipments or consultation, we will help them (Iraqis) as far as our ability,” Hezaji said at the time.

As regards possible plan for the deployment of the Iranian forces, the commander said, “I do not think they (Iraqis) would need manpower. They have enough manpower and, thus, do not need any help in this regard.”