Washington: no military coordination with Iran in Iraq
WASHINGTON DC – There is no coordination between US and Iranian forces in the war against the Islamic State (ISIS) in Iraq, the US State Department said.
Asked if Washington is opposed to the presence of Iranian forces fighting in Iraq, State Department Spokesperson Jen Psaki told reporters in Washington Monday that the best way for Iraq to counter the threat from the group -- known as ISIS or ISIL -- is to strengthen its own security forces.
“Iraq can best counter the threat from ISIL with a government and security forces that are inclusive, and if the interests of all groups are respected,” she said at a media briefing.
“With respect to the activities of any country in Iraq, including Iran, we believe strongly that Iraq’s sovereignty must be respected and the Government of Iraq must focus on strengthening its internal political and security situation – institutions in an inclusive way,” she added.
“We’re not coordinating with the Iranians; nothing has changed in that regard,” she said.
Psaki refused to elaborate on any US or coalition role in the current military offensive to recapture Tikrit, the administrative center of Salahaddin governorate, an ongoing battle that is now in its ninth day.
“We’ve said previously we are aware Iran has sent some operatives into Iraq that are training and advising some Iraqi Security Forces. We also know that Iran has provided some supplies, arms, ammunition and aircraft for Iraq’s armed forces,” Psaki said.