'Relations strong and solid'
Erbil bombing ‘not violation of Iraq’s sovereignty’, says Iranian foreign ministry spox
BAGHDAD, January 22 – Nasser Kanaani, the spokesman for Iran’s foreign ministry, said Monday that Tehran’s relationship with Baghdad is strong and solid. He claimed last week’s bombing in Erbil was a punishment for crossing “red lines,” not a violation of Iraq’s sovereignty.
Iraq’s government sharply criticized the missile attack that killed a prominent Kurdish businessperson, filing a complaint with the UN Security Council. In Davos, both KRG Prime Minister Masrour Barzani and Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shiaa’ Al-Sudani canceled scheduled meetings with Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian.
Full statement as reported by Iran’s Mehr News Agency:
The relations between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Iraqi government are strong and solid, characterized by comprehensive cooperation and receiving significant attention from both countries.
Despite the longstanding good relations with the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, this area poses threats to Iranian national security and the safety of our people. The Islamic Republic of Iran considers this issue a red line.
The Islamic Republic of Iran has been the greatest supporter and defender of the security, unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of the State of Iraq.
The recent action taken by the Islamic Republic of Iran against the Mossad headquarters was a punishment for terrorists, not the State of Iraq.
We have repeatedly issued necessary warnings to the authorities of the friendly and brotherly state of Iraq. We cannot tolerate the meeting, positioning, and gathering of Mossad forces that threaten Iranian national security.
We have consistently declared our sincere support for the security of the Iraqi government and people. The position of Iran has always been, and remains, to emphasize the security agreement concluded with Iraq, serving the common interests of both countries.
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