Leader Tells Iraqi PM: Don’t Trust U.S.

Date: 21 June 2017 - 22:32

News ID: ۴۰۹۲۶

TEHRAN (Dispatches) -- Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei on Tuesday praised the "success" of Iraqi forces in the battle against Daesh terrorists in Mosul.
"Today Daesh is fleeing Iraq and this and this admirable achievement is the result of internal unity and integrity in Iraq—which was accomplished thanks to the Iraqi government relying on the faithful Iraqi youth," he said as he received Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi here.
"I praise the unity and harmony of political and religious currents in Iraq in their fight against Daesh,” Ayatollah Khamenei added.
But he warned that Iraq "should not trust" the United States, which is purportedly leading a coalition fighting Daesh in Iraq and neighboring Syria.
"One should be vigilant against the U.S and never trust them because they and their allies in the region oppose Iraq's independence, identity and unity.”
Ayatollah Khamenei warned of U.S. plots to wreak havoc in Iraq. "No chance should be given to the U.S. to sow discord or conflict in Iraq. U.S. forces should be prevented from intervening in Iraq on the pretext of education or other issues.”
The Leader touched on U.S. support and funding of Daesh, saying the Takfiri group was created by the Americans. He said the U.S. wants to keep Daesh in its hands and control Iraq.
Ayatollah Khamenei said Iran strongly opposes the partitioning of Iraq, apparently referring to recent announcements by Iraqi Kurdish leaders that they wanted to hold a referendum for independence.
"The Islamic Republic of Iran—as Iraq's neighbor--opposes implications that a referendum be held to partition Iraq. The Islamic Republic considers those who fuel such ideals to be opponents of Iraq's independence and identity.”
Abadi was on a regional tour that started in Saudi Arabia and included a stop in Kuwait.
He also met Iranian President Hassan Rouhani, as Iraqi forces on Tuesday pressed an assault on the Old City in western Mosul, the last part of Iraq's second city still held by the jihadists.
"The liberation of Mosul is the symbol of the end of terrorism and a victory for Iran, Iraq, Syria and all the countries of the region that are fighting against terrorism," Rouhani said during talks with Abadi.
He said Iran stands by Iraq in its fight against the Takfiris and considers a "victory over terrorism" as its own.
Iran has been a key backer of the Syrian and Iraqi governments as they seek to root out Daesh and other Takfiri terrorists, sending military advisers to the two countries.