Iraq’s prime minister urged Iran’s leaders to withdraw, or at least not pursue, their opposition to a proposed security pact with the U.S. promising that his country will not be a launching pad for any attack on them. The agreement has become a centre of contention as Baghdad tries to balance its close ties to both Washington and Teheran. Iran fears the deal will lead to permanent U.S. bases on its doorstep amid fears of an eventual American attack. Al-Maliki’s visit to Teheran, his second this year, appeared aimed at getting Iran to tone down its opposition. In his talks with Iranian officials, al-Maliki offered assurances that his country is no threat to Iran, according to a statement released by his Baghdad office. Iraqi Defence Minister Abdul-Qader al-Obeidi echoed that promise. He told his Iranian counterpart Gen. Mostafa Mohammad Najjar that the agreement with them & USA would not threaten any neighbouring country, the semiofficial Iranian news agency Fars reported. Iraq is playing a delicate balancing act to remain equidistant from the two rivals – USA and Iran.
BALANCING ACT OF IRAQ
Iraq’s prime minister urged Iran’s leaders to withdraw, or at least not pursue, their opposition to a proposed security pact with the U.S. promising that his country will not be a launching pad for any attack on them.