TEHRAN, Iran— The Shiite militia movement known the Hashd al-Shaabi, or Popular Mobilization Units, has a crucial role in maintaining Iraq’s security in the future, Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei said in a Wednesday meeting with Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi.
“Maintain peace in Iraq requires the tolerance and co-existence of all Iraqis,” Khamenai said.
He added that Iraq’s security is important for Iran, and that Tehran fully supports Baghdad in the ongoing war against the so-called Islamic State, or ISIS.
Khamenei said the Hashd al-Shaabi have played a key role in the fight against ISIS and will help build a more secure future for Iraqis.
Abadi’s trip to Tehran was focused on regional security issues, according to information obtained by Rudaw.
The Hashd al-Shaabi rose up last year after a call from Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, the highest Shiite cleric in Iraq, when ISIS fighters overran much of the country's western territory.
The militias, some of which have known ties to Iran, took the lead in the liberation of Tikrit earlier this year amid subsequent allegations the fighters marginalized Sunni residents of the area.
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