Iran's Ambassador: All Iranian Military Advisors Have Left Iraq

The Iranian ambassador to Iraq announced that the Islamic Republic has withdrawn all its military advisors from the country following the 'declaration of victory over ISIS,' stating that 'they have all returned to Iran.' According to ISNA news agency, Iraj Masjedi, who was previously a commander in the Revolutionary Guards, made these remarks in a gathering of 'Iraqi students and media activists' in Baghdad. Mr. Masjedi did not specify the exact date of the Iranian forces' withdrawal from Iraq. Iraq declared full victory in the battle against ISIS in the summer of 2017, but a number of ISIS supporters still control areas of the country and occasionally claim responsibility for attacks in Iraq. This summer, a spokesperson for the U.S.-led coalition against ISIS announced that American forces would remain in Iraq as long as stability in the areas reclaimed from 'ISIS' continues. Shortly before that, a UN delegation estimated that nearly 30,000 members of ISIS remain in Iraq and Syria. Meanwhile, Mr. Masjedi criticized the U.S., stating that 'despite the end of ISIS, they continue to maintain their forces in the region and instead of declaring the end of their military mission, they are strengthening their bases and military camps in some areas and establishing new positions.' He also commented on U.S. President Trump's statements regarding the withdrawal of U.S. forces from Syria, claiming that 'despite the years of American presence in Syrian territory, these foreign forces lack any popular base, which has greatly concerned the Americans.' Recently, President Trump stated during a visit to U.S. forces stationed in Iraq that the U.S. will maintain its military presence in Iraq to prevent the resurgence of ISIS and to protect U.S. interests while closely monitoring any potential resurgence of ISIS and Iran. Trump recently announced the completion of the U.S. mission in Syria and stated that these forces would be withdrawn from Syria.