TEHRAN, Iran, July 24 (NNN-IRNA) – Iranian President, Hassan Rouhani, said that, closer ties with neighbouring Iraq would ensure regional stability, amid heightened tensions between Tehran and the West.
Last week, Iran seized the British-flagged tanker, Stena Impero, in Omani waters, which was met with backlash from Gulf states. Tehran claims the vessel hit a fishing boat, but the British government dismissed the claims, saying there is no evidence.
The escalation prompted Iraqi Prime Minister, Adel Abdul Mahdi to travel to Tehran on Monday, where he met with Rouhani and other Iranian officials, and discussed the issue of the Strait of Hormuz.
“In the absence of lasting stability and security in the region, the development of ties between Tehran and Baghdad will surely enhance the security and stability in the region,” Rouhani said, during the meeting.
Iran is one of Iraq’s strongest allies in the region, but also has close ties with Britain and the US, leaving Baghdad in a difficult position, if the situation deteriorates.
Abdul Mahdi said that Iraq is in a dangerous position and “it must preserve its strategic interests.”
“We need to work hard to secure and protect the interests of the two nations by expanding our relations,” Abdul Mahdi said.
Iraq also has an interest in ensuring smooth tanker passage through the region, to keep its own oil flowing through its main export terminal in Basra.
“These interests must be able to serve the country in a neutral manner,” said the premier.
The Iraqi official stressed that Baghdad has “good” relations with the US, Europe and the region. “We have prevented attacks from taking place on our territories by neighbouring states,” he said.– NNN-IRNA
