Iran, Iraq ‘two main pillars’ of security in West Asia region: Interim FM

Iran’s Interim Foreign Minister Ali Bagheri Kani has underscored the necessity of easing tensions and resolving conflicts across West Asia, saying the two neighboring countries of Iran and Iraq are two main pillars of security in the strategic region.

Bagheri Kani made the remarks in a joint press conference after a meeting with Iraqi Foreign Minsiter Fuad Hussein in Baghdad on Thursday.

Pointing to the ongoing developments across the region and the need for resolving tensions, Bagheri Kani said, “Iran and Iraq are two main pillars in the region and are responsible for promotion of the security of the region.”

The top Iranian diplomat described what is happening in the Gaza Strip as a war crime and stressed that the Israeli genocide must stop in the besieged Palestinian territory.

“Islamic countries should use their power to stop the crimes of the Zionist regime in Gaza. The genocide in Gaza must unconditionally stop. Due to their failure in Gaza, the Zionists may commit another folly and expand the scope of their aggression,” Bagheri Kani said.

Touching on the US military support for the Israeli occupation army in its months-long war on Gaza, he added, “The Americans should stop their arms support to the Zionist regime. The Americans cannot support Israel by supplying weapons while pretend to be after peace and propose initiatives to end the war.”

Bagheri Kani went on to say, “Iran and Iraq underlined the notion that the Zionist war crimes and the Zionist genocide in Gaza must unconditionally end as soon as possible, and aid should be provided to the people of Gaza based on their needs. To this end, the cooperation and solidarity of the Islamic countries in the region can be helpful more than ever.”

'Security situation in region is on fire'

The Iraqi foreign minister, for his part, expressed his condolences over the loss of late Iranian President Ebrahim Raeisi and said Bagheri Kani’s presence in Iraq heralds the continuation of the two neighboring countries’ relations.

Hussein also underscored the necessity of holding consultations to find a solution to the tensions across the region.

“We do not need a temporary ceasefire but a permanent one in Gaza. We support a lasting ceasefire in Gaza,” he said, adding, “The security situation in the region is on fire and we warn against the spread of war.”

Hossein pointed to the Israeli regime's attacks on Lebanon, saying, “Aggression on southern Lebanon will have serious consequences for the region.”

At the head of a delegation, Bagheri Kani left the Iranian capital on Thursday morning for a two-day visit to Iraq to hold meetings with Iraqi officials and to discuss ways to expand Tehran-Baghdad relations as well as bilateral and regional issues.

The two sides are about to exchange views on common interests of the two friendly and brotherly nations, ways to deal with security challenges and threats as well as promotion of security in regional countries.

Iraqi President Abdul Latif Rashid visited Tehran in May to pay tribute to late President Raeisi and his companions, who lost their lives in a helicopter crash.

Raeisi's policy of strengthening ties with Iraq will continue: Interim president

Iran

The Iraqi president praised Iran’s support for his country and said President Raeisi’s martyrdom is not only a great and irreparable tragedy for the Iranian nation but also for the people of Iraq and the entire region.

Rashid expressed Baghdad's determination to further improve relations with Tehran, saying his country will take all the necessary measure in this regard.

Rashid’s visit to Tehran came a few days after Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani visited Tehran to meet with Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei and attend the funeral procession of Raeisi and his companions.

On May 19, the helicopter carrying Raeisi and his entourage crashed in a mountainous and forested region in Iran's East Azarbaijan Province. Their bodies were found the following day after a massive search operation.

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