Iran to Keep Backing Iraq in Fight on Terrorism: President

"Undoubtedly, the main responsibility for the fight against terrorism and finally defeating it is shouldered by the Iraqi nation and army," President Rouhani said in a meeting with Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi in Tehran on Wednesday. "Nevertheless, the Iranian people and government have also been and will continue to be beside the Iraqi nation and government in this (fight)."

"Stability, security, and calm in Iraq and in other neighboring countries can contribute to the progress and development of the region," President Rouhani added.

He also deplored attempts by certain countries for creating rift among the Iraqis, urging utmost efforts to "strengthen Iraq's national solidarity and unity" to disappoint the enemies.

The president further called for the enhancement of Tehran-Baghdad ties in all areas.

For his part, the visiting Iraqi premier appreciated Iran's supports for Iraq in the battle against terrorism, expressing confidence that continuation of such assistance would lead to annihilation of the ISIL terrorist group in Iraq and elsewhere in the region.

Iraq has been facing the growing threat of terrorism, mainly posed by the ISIL terrorist group.

The ISIL militants made advances in northern and western Iraq over the summer 2014, after capturing swaths of northern Syria.

However, a combination of concentrated attacks by the Iraqi military and the volunteer forces, who rushed to take arms after top Iraqi cleric Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani issued a fatwa calling for fight against the militants, have blunted the edge of the ISIL offensive.

Amid tensions in Iraq, Iran is known as the first country to help the Arab country and has always voiced support for Iraq's unity and prosperity.