Ghalibaf in Iraq: Foreign interference rapidly declining in emerging regional order

Tehran - BORNA - Ghalibaf made the remarks on Wednesday during a visit to the site near Baghdad International Airport where Iranian General Qassem Soleimani and Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis were assassinated.

“I am beginning my visit from here, the site of the assassination and martyrdom of two great figures in the history of Iran and Iraq,” Ghalibaf said.

“This place is an important symbol in the history of the region and a sign of the common bonds between the two nations, where the blood of two heroes from Iran and Iraq was shed side by side.”

He described the site as a symbol of confrontation between the fronts of truth and falsehood.

“This is where the terrorist US government, as the main center of the front of falsehood, assassinated two great men of the front of truth after realizing that it could not stop the strengthening and expansion of the resistance front,” Ghalibaf said.

He added that Soleimani and al-Muhandis had helped save Iraq, Iran and the wider region from Daesh.

“They were the men who saved Iraq, Iran and the entire region from the evils of Daesh — a group that, by the admission of the current US president, was created by the US government,” he said.

“But did this assassination stop the power and influence of the resistance? It is enough to look at the situation in the region to see who is winning.”

Resistance is an element of Iraq’s power

Ghalibaf said the recent Ramadan war demonstrated the strength of Iran’s resistance and added that resistance is also one of the elements of Iraq’s national power.

“Resistance in Iraq is one of the elements of the country’s power,” he said.

“Over the years, the discourse of resistance has gone beyond the borders of Iran, Iraq and the region and has become global. Today, the ugly reality of the Zionists has become clear to the nations of the world, and Israel is recognized as an enemy of humanity.”

US forces seeking ‘dignified exit’ from region

Ghalibaf said the regional security order had begun to change following the Ramadan war.

“In the new regional order, the interference of foreign and extra-regional actors in regional equations is rapidly declining,” he said.

“US forces are looking for a plan for a dignified exit from the region, and the Zionist regime no longer has a future in our region. It will not see its dream of extending from the sea to the river realized even in its dreams.”

Addressing Soleimani and al-Muhandis, Ghalibaf said their legacy remained alive in Iran and Iraq.

“Dear Abu Mahdi and Haj Qassem, look at the fruits of your struggle and your blessed blood,” he said.

“Know that we and all those who believe in your school of thought in Iran and Iraq will not rest until your aspirations are realized, and we are prepared to sacrifice our lives, property and honor for this sacred path.”

Regional Islamic countries should deepen security ties

Ghalibaf said his visit to Iraq was also aimed at strengthening the emerging regional order and accelerating cooperation among regional countries without foreign interference.

“Even at the height of the war, I publicly stated several times that the Islamic countries of the region should pursue deep security interactions and relations that are reinforced through sustainable economic cooperation, and the Islamic Republic of Iran is ready for this,” he said.

He added that the deep cultural and religious ties between the Iranian and Iraqi peoples created a distinct opportunity to pursue such cooperation, making Baghdad a priority destination.

Iran-Iraq ties rooted in brotherhood and resistance to foreign interference

Ghalibaf said he would meet Iraqi government and parliamentary officials as well as political, economic and cultural figures during the visit.

He also said he would attend a ceremony marking the 40th day since the burial of Iran’s martyred Leader on behalf of the Leader of the Islamic Revolution.

“I will convey his message of gratitude, as well as the gratitude of the Iranian people, to the Iraqi nation and officials for the magnificent funeral held for this great marja of the Shia world,” Ghalibaf said.

He stressed that the bond between the Iranian and Iraqi nations is “historic, deeply rooted and unbreakable.”

“Our neighborly relationship is founded on brotherhood, devotion to the Ahl al-Bayt, resistance against foreign interference and belief in the shared destiny of the two countries, and this instructive past will guide our future,” he said.

“God willing, during this visit we will take major steps toward strengthening indigenous and shared security and promoting the welfare of both nations.”

“Our strength lies in our brotherhood.” 

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