TEHRAN: Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi on Saturday denounced the US presence within the Middle East as he hosted the president of neighboring Iraq for wide-ranging talks.
The United States and Iran, longtime foes, have been combating for affect in Iraq since a 2003 U.S.-led invasion toppled dictator Saddam Hussein.
Both have contributed to the struggle towards Islamic State in Iraq, and the United States nonetheless has 2,500 non-combatants in Iraq offering recommendation and coaching.
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About 900 U.S. troops stay in Syria, principally within the Kurdish-held northeast, as a part of the U.S.-led coalition combating Islamic State remnants.
The US Navy’s fifth Fleet relies within the Gulf state of Bahrain.
“We don’t consider that the presence of international troops or international nationals within the area is helpful,” Raisi stated at a joint press convention with Iraqi President Abdul Latif Rashid in Tehran.
The Iranian president stated, “The presence of the United States hinders regional safety.”
“Our relationship with Iraq relies on widespread pursuits,” he stated, including that “Americans are looking for their very own pursuits, not the pursuits of regional international locations.”
Iraq and Iran fought an eight-year battle within the Eighties, however relations between the Shiite-majority neighbors have cooled significantly for the reason that 2003 invasion ousted Saddam and his Sunni-dominated regime. .
Iraq has grow to be an important financial lifeline for the sanctions-hit Islamic Republic, whereas Iran provides Iraq with gasoline, electrical energy and client items.
At the press convention, Raisi emphasised the significance of cooperation between Iran and Iraq on safety and different points.
“Iran-Iraq relations will proceed within the areas of water and energy infrastructure,” he stated.
“A safety understanding has been established between the 2 international locations, and the safety of Iraq and its borders is of nice significance to us,” Raisi added.