TEHRAN – The Iraqi ambassador to Tehran has said that his country would have fallen into the hands of Daesh if Iran had not rushed to the support of the Iraqi army and popular mobilization forces.

In an interview with IRNA published on Saturday, Rajeh Saber Abboud al-Mousavi said that Iran’s support for Iraq in fight against terrorists is “historic” and “important”.

The ambassador said Iran has an advisory presence in Iraq upon a request by the Iraqi government, he said.

He also dismissed claims that Iran is interfering in Iraq’s internal affairs.

The diplomat expressed hope that other Islamic countries would follow the path taken by Iran in fighting terrorism.

“Unfortunately, some of the regional countries, being backed by the Westerners, support the terrorists and kill the Muslims under the name of human rights,” he regretted.

The ambassador added that terrorism and violence have been spread in the Mideast to destabilize the region.

He added that the regional countries are able to resolve their problems without foreigners.

‘Strategic ties’

Ambassador Abboud al-Mousavi also said that relations between Iran and Iraq are “strategic” and both countries seek peace and stability in the region.

Elsewhere, the ambassador said that there is no way but “dialogue” and “cooperation” among Islamic countries to settle regional crises.

Iran and Iraq had warned of the consequences of military presence in Syria and the fact that the crisis cannot be resolved militarily, he added.

Mousavi also expressed hope that the situation in Iraq and Syria will be improved.

NA/PA

