Iran's defense minister trans-regional countries’ interference of in the Middle East was aimed at ensuring Israel’s security as well as the flow of energy.
In a meeting with his Iraqi counterpart Thabet Muhammad Saeed al-Abbasi in Tehran on Saturday, Mohammad Reza Ashtiani stressed that trans-regional states never seek to promote democracy but to create unnecessary crises, discord and conflicts in the region.
“Experience has proven that the presence of trans-regional countries in any part of the world has been accompanied by insecurity and division. This presence in our region is meant to ensure the flow of energy and strengthen the Zionist regime’s security belt through creating artificial crises, differences, and conflicts between Muslim countries,” Ashtiani added, referring to Israel.
“Therefore, this presence has never been meant for helping human rights, promoting democracy, and aiding regional people.”
The Iranian minister also said that Iran and Iraq enjoy a geopolitical connection, comprising ethnic, religious, cultural, economic, and energy elements.
He called for vigilance in the face of plots hatched to damage unity and solitary between the Iranian and Iraqi nations.
“Iran believes in supporting Iraq’s unity and integrity and assisting the country with the process of consolidating its stability and security, development, and prosperity.”
Ashtiani said Tehran and Baghdad needed to improve their military, intelligence, and security coordination as the presence of terrorist groups in Iraq, including in the provinces adjacent to Iran, still posed a threat to the national security of the two countries.
He also expressed Iran’s readiness to provide Iraq with experience to achieve self-reliance in its defense industry.
Abbasi, for his part, said the Iraqi armed forces and nation were still fighting terrorism, appreciating Iran’s assistance as a friendly country in this regard.
“A strong Iran will lead to a strong Iraq and vice versa, and following this path will resolve regional challenges and crises,” he added.