Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei says Iran "strongly supports" the new Iraqi government to help Baghdad overcome security problems and defeat terrorists.
Ayatollah Khamenei said, "The current developments in the region are the result of irresponsible policies of extra-regional powers as well as certain regional states on Syria."
He made the remarks during a meeting with Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi in Tehran on Tuesday. The Leader stated, "The Islamic Republic will stand by Iraq's new government and support it as (Iran backed) the previous administration."
"Iran believes the Iraqi people and government can themselves overcome security challenges and problems without any need for foreign interference…we believe Daesh (the Islamic State (IS) of Iraq and the Levant) and the issue of terrorism must be rooted out by regional nations," Ayatollah Khamenei said.
For his part, Abadi thanked Tehran for helping Iraq in its campaign against IS terrorists.
Continued Assistance
In a separate meeting with the Iraqi prime minister on the same day, President Hassan Rouhani said Iran will spare no effort to support the Iraqi nation in their battle against terrorists.
"Iran will continue its assistance to the Iraqi people and army in their fight against terrorist groups as in the past and it will spare no effort in this regard," IRNA quoted him as saying.
Calling terrorism the major challenge facing all the countries in the region, Rouhani said, "Iran believes that the main responsibility in the fight against terrorists should be shouldered by the Iraqi people and government forces."
He added that greater unity among tribes and religious groups in Iraq will increase the chance of succeeding in the campaign against terrorism.
The president said the challenges facing the region are closely interrelated, adding, "Terrorists are currently carrying out operations in Syria; and it makes it necessary for the regional states to deal with the issue and act unanimously to root out the phenomenon."
Rouhani said, "Undoubtedly, in the current situation enhanced cordial relations between Iran and Iraq will not only be beneficial to the interests of both nations, but it will bear fruits for the whole region."
Abadi said, "Choosing Iran as the first destination for my foreign visits is indicative of deep ties between the two countries and our future outlook."
He said the Iraqi nation praises Iran's resistance against terrorism, adding, "Terrorists pose a threat to the entity of all the regional states; and we have no doubt that Iran will stand by our nation until complete eradication of this terrifying scourge."
