Iran Pledges Support for Iraq’s Fight against Terrorism
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Iranian foreign minister once again cautioned against the dire consequences of terrorism and extremism, and stressed that Tehran will lend its support to the Iraqi government in its efforts to fight terrorism.
Iran will support Iraq’s efforts and measures in the campaign against terrorism, Mohammad Javad Zarif said on Tuesday, upon his arrival in the Iraqi capital of Baghdad.
Describing terrorism and extremism as threats to the whole region, the Iranian minister contended that tackling the menace requires regional efforts and initiatives.
In relevant remarks on January 7, Zarif had praised the Iraqi government for its efforts to fight terrorism and extremism in the Arab country.
In a meeting with former Iraqi Vice-President Adel Abdul-Mahdi in Tehran at the time, the Iranian top diplomat 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 had also expressed the hope that neighboring Iraq would weather the current conditions through national unity and solidarity.
And earlier on January 5, Deputy Chief of Staff of Iran's Armed Forces Brigadier General Mohammad Hejazi 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,” said the commander at the time.
Now in Baghdad, Zarif is on the second leg of his tour of the Middle East, which took him earlier to Lebanon.
In his visit to Iraq, the Iranian top diplomat is planned to hold separate meetings with his Iraqi counterpart Hoshyar Zebari, Iraq’s Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki and Parliament Speaker Osama al-Nujaifi.