Velayati: Iran not to take steps in Iraq without its appeal

Ali Velayati made the comment in a meeting with Hezbollah al-Nujaba Islamic Resistance’s Secretary-General Sheikh Akram al-Kaabi, on Thursday in Tehran. He went on to add, “the two neighboring countries of Iran and Iraq have had a lot in common throughout history and this has created the atmosphere of brotherhood and closeness.”

Velayati highlighted the role of Hezbollah al-Nujaba Islamic Resistance in fulfilling Iraqi people’s goals, adding “leaders of this organization are well aware of the political issues of the whole region.”

The Iranian senior official pointed to Iraqi people’s significant role in the stability of the region, saying “if Iraqi people had not achieved their goals and had not driven Americans back after the fall of Saddam regime, not only this country would have been lost, but also the regional stability would have vanished.”

Speaking about the reasons behind Iraq’s success against ISIL, he said “one of the most important reasons were the Maraji (sources of emulation) and people’s allegiance to them.”

“Another reason is the establishment of democracy in Iraq which is unique in the Arab world,” he added. “The last reason was the existence of Al-Hashd Al-Sha’abi. If this Shia group had not existed, victory over ISIL would not have been possible.”

Velayati went to note, “if Iraq and Iran had not cooperated, Syria and Lebanon could not have been saved. This is called the chain of Resistance. All the links need to be there for the chain to work and succeed.”

Speaking about the necessity of Al-Hashd Al-Sha’abi’s presence in Mosul operation, he said “al-Nujaba’s analysis of the regional developments is correct. Al-Hashd must take part in Mosul operation.”

Sheikh Akram al-Kaabi, for his part, maintained that his primary purpose for meeting Iranian officials was to report the latest field developments in Syria and Iraq and to pay his homage to the Leader of the Islamic Revolution and Iranian people.

“The Islamic Republic of Iran is the leader of the oppressed all over the world and has stood firmly by Iraqi Resistance against the occupation forces and ISIL. Iran has taken a historical position which is in line with true Islam,” he stressed.

Arguing that the US presence in Iraq is absolutely negative, he clarified “this country is seeking nominal victories in Iraq. Everyone knows the US plans all terrorism in the world.”

He then added, “with their presidential election approaching, the Americans wish to conduct the Mosul Liberation operation as early as possible. But we do not need foreign forces in Iraq, especially American and Turkish forces.”
Speaking about the Western/Arab support of the terrorism in Syria he said, “American rockets are funded by Saudi money and delivered to terrorists in Syria through Turkish border. They also provide vehicles and food for terrorists and pay their salaries.”

In conclusion, he referred to numerous victories achieved by the Resistance Axis against Arrogant Powers by the help of Iran; “The enemy believed that Assad Government would fall within days but it still stands,” he said.