Kirby: Iran's Presence Should Not Complicate the Situation in Iraq

John Kirby, spokesperson for the U.S. State Department, stated on Tuesday, June 1, regarding Iran's presence in Iraq, that we do not want even Iraq's closest neighbors to exacerbate ethnic tensions and make the situation more difficult through intervention in this country. Kirby, speaking at his daily press conference, responded to a question about the establishment of a missile base by Iran in Iraq, saying, 'This is the first time I have heard such a thing. I have no information on this and it is better to ask Iranian officials.' However, the U.S. State Department spokesperson emphasized that we know Iran has been present in Iraq since the war against the Islamic State group. We are aware that they are trying to increase their influence in Iraq. Kirby stressed that Iraq is an independent country with sovereignty rights, and the presence of neighboring countries, especially Iran, should be in cooperation and coordination with the Iraqi government. The U.S. State Department spokesperson added that what specifically exists regarding Iran's presence, as we have said before, is that such a presence must be through and with the permission of Haider al-Abadi's government. We do not want any country, even Iraq's closest neighbors, to intervene in a way that ignites ethnic tensions and makes the situation worse than it already is. Iran has always stated that its military forces in Iraq have an advisory role and that these forces operate with the permission of the Iraqi government. While Kirby warned about the consequences of the presence of neighbors and the escalation of ethnic tensions, the recent publication of an image of Qassem Soleimani, commander of the Quds Force of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, has sparked reactions. In this context, three Sunni representatives of the Iraqi parliament condemned the 'presence' of the Quds Force commander in the liberation operations of Fallujah. Adel al-Jubeir, the Saudi foreign minister, also criticized Qassem Soleimani's actions in Iraq and Syria, accusing Iran of engaging in subversive activities in these two countries. In response to these criticisms, Hossein Jaberi Ansari, spokesperson for the Iranian Foreign Ministry, stated a few days ago that the commander of the Quds Force is present in Iraq at the request of the Iraqi government. He said, 'The presence of Iranian military advisors in Iraq under the command of General Qassem Soleimani is at the request of this country's legitimate government and is aimed at fighting terrorists and extremists who have brought instability and insecurity to Iraq and the region.' As Iraqi forces have begun their final operations to retake the city of Fallujah, the United Nations and international organizations have warned of a potential 'humanitarian disaster' in this city. According to UN officials, more than 50,000 residents of Fallujah are trapped in the city, and it is likely that Islamic State forces will use them as 'human shields.'