Iran’s defence minister said on Monday that his country is “ready” to increase military support to Iraq, which is involved in a war against ISIS, Anadolu has reported. Hossein Dehghan’s remarks came during an official visit to Baghdad at the invitation of his Iraqi counterpart.
The Iranian minister met Iraqi Prime Minister Haidar Al-Abadi during his trip and discussed “security and military cooperation” between the two countries, “as well as the war against ISIS terrorist gangs.” According to a statement reported by Anadolu, they also discussed the latest security development in Iran and other parts of the region.
During the meeting, Al-Abadi stressed how important it is for all countries in the Middle East, especially those which have shared borders with Iraq, to be prepared to offer assistance to counter the ISIS threat. He hailed Iran’s support in this regard.
In response, Dehghan stressed the readiness of Iran to give Iraq “full support” in its war against ISIS. This may not just be in terms of military backing. He also said that his ministry is ready to rehabilitate and develop the facilities of the Iraqi defence ministry in order to “regain the deep historic connection between the two countries.”
Dozens of Iranian military experts have been offering their expertise as consultants in Baghdad in connection with the ISIS war. Dehghan’s remarks came after ISIS took full control of Al-Ramadi, the capital of Al-Anbar governorate.
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