Halbousi Assures Zarif that Iraq will be Pivotal in De-escalating Tensions

INA, Baghdad-

Iraqi Speaker of Parliament Muhammad Al-Halbousi received Iran FM, Muhammad  Javad Zarif, and assured him that Iraq will play a pivotal role in de-escalating tensions between Tehran and Washington while avoiding being part of any axis.

A statement by the Parliament’s information office, a copy of which received by the INA on Sunday, added that ‘the meeting was attended also by a several members of the parliamentary foreign relations committee, the Iraqi deputy foreign minister Nizar al-Khairallah, the Iraqi Ambassador to Tehran and the Islamic Republic of Iran Ambassador to Baghdad.

During the meeting Halbousi emphasized that Iraq is keen on keeping his relationship with the Islamic Republic of Iran, as well as the other countries in the region. He pointed out ‘the dangers of escalating tensions in the region and the importance of dialogue and peaceful initiatives in trust-building among all parties concerned.’ Halbousi reaffirmed that ‘Iraq will play a pivotal role in de-escalating tensions between Tehran and Washington, while avoiding being part of any axis.’

He indicated too that ‘Iraq will be keen on keeping the safety of his neighbors and will be working very hard at all levels to avoid the risks of tensions in the region.’

On his part the Iranian FM explained that ‘Tehran will stop at no limit in its effort to dislodge all problems with the countries in the region’ pointing out that ‘his country doesn’t wish to have any military escalation and is prepared to accept any initiative that can help de-escalate the situation and building constructive relationships instead with all neighboring countries.’