US seeks military presence in Iraq: Iran official

An Iranian deputy foreign minister has criticized the poor US performance in the fight against terrorist groups, particularly ISIL, saying Washington seeks military presence in Iraq.

“There are serious doubts about the US move to counter the ISIL terrorist group, because the US intends a military return and redeployment in Iraq rather than focus on the fight against ISIL,” Hossein Amir-Abdollahian said in a meeting with UN special envoy to Iraq, Nickolay Mladenov, in Tehran on Sunday.

He urged the UN to proceed with its efforts to restore security and progress to Iraq, adding that Iran supports the world body’s effective measures in the war-torn country.

The senior Iranian official also called for a fundamental fight against terrorism, strengthening of the Iraqi government and army, and respect for the role played by popular forces in the anti-terror campaign.

Amir-Abdollahian threw Iran’s weight behind a united Iraq, saying national unity and integrity would improve the political and security situation in the country.

The UN envoy, for his part, said Iran has played a constructive and positive role in Iraq’s developments.

Mladenov added that the UN has made efforts to improve the political situation in Iraq and give humanitarian aid to Iraqi refugees. He also called for consultation with Iran about ways to help the UN achieve its objectives.

The US has launched hundreds of airstrikes against ISIL militants in Iraq and Syria which analysts regard as part of Washington’s attempts to gradually spread its influence in Iraq.

The Takfiri militants have been carrying out horrific acts of violence, including public decapitations and crucifixions, against all Syrian and Iraqi communities such as Shias, Sunnis, Kurds, Christians and Izadi Kurds.

The West and its regional allies, especially Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey, are giving financial and military support to the militants.