On Monday, Iranian Foreign Minister (FM) Mohammad Javad Zarif met with Iraqi Prime Prime Minister (PM) Mustafa al-Kadhimi and Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein in Baghdad and reiterated Iran’s support for Iraq in its fight against the Islamic State (IS).
During the talks, Kadhimi labelled Iran as an important “strategic partner” and said that history would “never forget the stance adopted by Iran” against IS. In a separate meeting with Hussein, Zarif expressed concern over “the ISIS terrorist group’s recent activities in Iraq” and said that “a serious fight against these efforts requires that Iran and Iraq cooperate with each other.”
Zarif also mentioned the importance of pursuing the case of the “martyrdom of Lt. General Qassem Soleimani, Abu Mehdi al-Muhandis, and their comrades.” The Iranian top diplomat also welcomed Iraq’s effort in this direction, citing the country’s judicial cooperation during the Iranian judicial chief’s visit to Baghdad. Solemaini, who was Iran’s Quds Force chief, was killed along with al-Muhandis by a United States (US) drone strike on their convoy in Baghdad last year.
Zarif further underscored Iran’s respect for the “sovereignty and territorial integrity of Iraq” and reiterated Iranian opposition to “certain military actions” in Iraq, including actions against diplomatic establishments. In this regard, Zarif expressed Iran’s willingness to assist Iraq in “preventing such actions.”
In recent months, there have been several instances of attacks against Iraqi and American security installations in Iraq. According to Al Jazeera, there have been around “20 bomb or rocket attacks against American interests” in the region since January. There were multiple incidents in April itself, including an armed drone attack on US forces near the Erbil airport, and a rocket attack on an Iraqi military base at Balad which injured two Iraqi soldiers. While the US continues to blame Iranian proxies in the region for the strikes, Iran has fiercely denied any involvement.
Apart from talks on security, Zarif and Hussein also discussed economic and trade ties between their countries. Issues relating to debts, transportation, and commerce were discussed at great length. The two envoys also exchanged views on the progress made at the talks being held in Vienna between Iran and world powers to revive the 2015 nuclear deal.
Additionally, the Iranian FM met with Iraqi President Barham Salih on Monday, wherein he discussed the importance of setting up “a security system in the region with the presence of all Persian Gulf countries which has already been proposed by Iran within the framework of the Hormuz Peace Endeavour (HOPE).” Zarif also held separate meetings with Parliament Speaker Muhammad al-Halbusi and prominent Sunni figures in Baghdad. Zarif’s visit to Iraq is part of his wider Middle Eastern tour. Earlier this week, he concluded his visit to Qatar, and the FM is scheduled to visit Oman later this week.
Iranian FM Zarif Vows to Support Iraq In Fight Against ISIS
Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif’s visit to Iraq is part of his wider Middle Eastern tour.
April 28, 2021
Iranian FM Mohammad Javad Zarif SOURCE: ANADOLU AGENCY