Renewed Support for Iraq

Majlis Speaker Ali Larijani said the Iranian government will stand by the Iraqi nation as it is passing through hard times. "We hope Iraq would be able to get out of the critical situation quickly," IRNA quoted him as saying in a meeting with President of the Islamic Supreme Council of Iraq Ammar al-Hakim on Tuesday. Pointing to last week's announcement by the Iraqi government that it has managed to almost completely liberate Mosul, the last stronghold of the self-styled Islamic State terrorist group in Iraq, Larijani said the terrorist group has received a big blow. "Strengthened by the victory, Iraq should continue to follow the right path tactfully so it can overcome the postwar challenges," he said. Hakim thanked Iran for its extensive support for the anti-terror push in Iraq, saying the Mosul victory "is the outcome of our cooperation and unity". Iran provides Iraqi troops and volunteer forces with advisory services in their anti-IS battle.