Kanaan on Kirkuk Events: Tehran Does Not Intervene in Iraqi Internal Affairs

The spokesperson for the Iranian Foreign Ministry, Nasser Kanaan, commented on the riots occurring in Kirkuk, northern Iraq, emphasizing that Tehran does not interfere in Iraq's internal affairs. He stated in his weekly press conference: "There is a basis for some violent developments but the Iraqi government is ready to confront them, and the Iraqi government is responsible for security in this country. We support its efforts to maintain security, but we do not intervene in Iraqi internal affairs." He affirmed that "the Iraqi government has the capacity to resolve internal issues and ensure security; if Iran is asked for any assistance, we will provide it," stressing that "supporting security and stability in neighboring countries, especially Iraq and Syria, is one of our priorities. The events in the region affect the entire area, and we stand with the countries in the region and provide support wherever it is requested." Regarding the security agreement between Tehran and Baghdad concerning the Iranian opposition present in Kurdistan, he added: "The Iraqi government and the regional government are responsible for implementing the terms of the agreement, which are clear, and we await its full implementation." On the proposal for the withdrawal of Turkish forces from Syria in the context of the quadrilateral meeting, Kanaan noted that "this concerns Turkey and Syria; Iran assists in resolving the issue, and what matters to Iran is respecting Syria's sovereignty and territorial integrity." He added: "There are differences between the sides, and we seek to resolve them, especially within the framework of the quadrilateral dialogue and the Astana process," emphasizing "the necessity of the withdrawal of foreign forces and completing the political process in Syria without external interference."