Iraq Clash: Iran’s President, Rouhani Pledges Help If…

Posted by African Examiner Latest Headlines, News, World News Saturday, June 14th, 2014

As muscles continue to be flexed in Iran between the warring factions, Iran has expressed readiness to assist Iraqi government in her battle against the Sunni insurgents, reported BBC.

Iranian President, Hassan Rouhani has also denied ever sending troops to fight in Iraq. However, an Iraqi source told the BBC that 130 Iranian Revolutionary Guards had entered the country to provide military training and advice.

The insurgents have seized several cities and are advancing to Baghdad, allegedly referring to Iraq’s Shia majority as “infidels”.

Iraq and the Levant (ISIS) is a militant group allegedly grew during the US-led occupation of the country between 2003 and 2011, with link to the neighbouring Syria.

Iran has close ties with Iraq’s Shia-dominated leadership under Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki. Iraq’s Sunni minority – which was dominant until 2003 has complained of marginalization by Mr Maliki’s – led government.

“If the Iraqi government asks us for help, we may provide any assistance the Iraqi nation would like us to provide in the fight against terrorism,” President Rouhani said today.

“However, the engagement of Iranian forces has not been discussed. Providing help and being engaged in operations are different.”

The President told BBC, that so far, the Iraqi government had not requested help from Iran.

Ironically, Rouhani did not rule out co-operating with the United States, her traditional foe, in combating ISIS: Said: “We can think about if we see America starts confronting the terrorist groups in Iraq or elsewhere.”