Iran Not to Let Terrorists Destabilize Iraqi Security, Rouhani Says
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Iranian President Hassan Rouhani underlined that Tehran will not allow terrorists and their supporters to undermine security and stability in Iraq.
“The government of the Islamic Republic of Iran will not allow those backing terrorists to disrupt security and stability in Iraq by exporting terrorism to the country,” Rouhani said on Thursday evening in a telephone conversation with Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki.
The president stressed that Iran will do its best in the regional and international arena to that end.
He also condemned the terrorists’ heinous crimes against the Iraqi people and underscored the need for fighting terrorism and violence.
Al-Maliki, for his part, thanked Iran for backing the Iraqi nation and government.
He also elaborated on the latest developments in northern Iraq and highlighted the victories of the Iraqi government and army against the terrorists.
The so-called Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) armed terrorists have in recent days carried out a violent assault on some Iraqi cities, including the provincial capitals of Mosul and Tikrit.
According to reports, as many as 500,000 people have fled Mosul after the militants attacked the city.
Reports indicate that on June 11 the militants also seized the city of Tikrit. However, shortly afterwards, Iraqi forces managed to recapture the central city, located roughly half way between Baghdad and Mosul.
Clashes continue between Iraqi soldiers and the Takfiri militants, who have vowed to march towards the capital.