Iraqi PM demands US, Iran support in fight against terrorism

Iraq constantly needs the US and Iran’s support in its battle against Daesh, Iraqi Prime Minister Haider Al-Abadi said on Tuesday.

In a weekly press conference in Baghdad on Tuesday, Al-Abadi stressed that Iraq would not take part in any regional or international conflicts, referring to the US tensions with Iran. He added that he seeks to repair Iraq’s ties with both countries.

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“Iraq is very keen to preserve its national interests and does not wish to be part of any regional or international conflict which would lead to disasters for the region and for Iraq,” Al-Abadi said.

Iran has close ties with the Shi’ite political elite ruling Iraq while Washington is providing critical military support to Iraqi forces battling Islamic State.

The prime minister explained that “Our unity and our institutions are immunity to prevent outside interference, and us hostility between Iran and America but countries would help Iraq in the war on terror.”

Al-Abadi pointed out that the new US administration, in a recent call with President Donald Trump, has confirmed its continued support for Iraq. “We will work together to defeat terrorism because Iraq is an ally of ours,” Trump told Abadi during their call.

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During the call, the two leaders have reaffirmed their commitment to the long-term partnership between the United States and Iraq grounded in the US-Iraq Strategic Framework Agreement.”

The United States has more than 5,000 troops deployed in Iraq to provide air and ground support in the battle of Mosul, while Iran plays a major role in the fight against Islamic State by arming and training Iraqi Shi’ite groups collectively known as Popular Mobilization.