National
0

US Envoy Acknowledges Iran Role in Iraq

US Envoy Acknowledges Iran Role in Iraq
US Envoy Acknowledges Iran Role in Iraq

In a recent interview with the Associated Press, US Ambassador to Iraq Stuart Jones said Iran plays a key role in the campaign against the so-called Islamic State (IS) in Iraq and Syria.

The ambassador did not address reports by Pentagon officials last week that Iran has launched airstrikes against the militant group in eastern Iraq, but acknowledged the important role Iran plays independently in the fight against IS.

"Let's face it," he said, "Iran is an important neighbor to Iraq. There has to be cooperation between Iran and Iraq.

"The Iranians are talking to the Iraqi security forces and we're talking to Iraqi security forces... we're relying on them to do the deconfliction."

On the role of Iraq's Shiite militias, he said, "Let's be frank: they play an important role in the security of Iraq. "They have been an effective fighting force and they have greatly assisted Iraqi security forces in some of these military victories....Now, they need to really be brought under the supervision and control of the armed forces."

 

Financialtribune.com