In remarks on Thursday, Masjedi said the objective behind a Wednesday attack on the Iranian consulate in Najaf was damaging the close and brotherly ties between Iran and Iraq at the hands of certain foreign and domestic elements in Iraq.
The foreign mercenaries in Iraq receive support from the hostile networks to hurt the amicable ties between Tehran and Baghdad, he noted.
The ambassador also noted that the Iraqi society is opposed to the measures carried out by a small group of thugs.
He finally called on people of Iran to show self-restraint, giving an assurance that the acts of a small group would not reflect the manner of Iraqi people who have proved friendship with Iran on various occasions.
Anti-government protesters stormed and set the Iranian consulate ablaze in Iraq’s southern city of Najaf on Wednesday, drawing condemnation from Iraq's government, as the political turmoil continues to escalate.
Staff at the Iranian consulate evacuated safely before the attack in the holy city, which was later placed under a curfew, state media reported.
In a statement on Thursday, Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Seyed Abbas Mousavi condemned the attack on the consulate, saying the Iraqi ambassador to Tehran has been officially informed of the Islamic Republic’s strong protest over the issue.
The Iranian spokesman also urged the Baghdad government to deal decisively with those behind the incident, and recalled the responsibility and duties of the Iraqi government to protect diplomatic missions and diplomats.