Ghalibaf: US plot on Iran's western borders has failed

Tehran - BORNA - Bafel Talabani, leader of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK), who is visiting Tehran, met with Ghalibaf on Tuesday afternoon.

Opening the meeting, Ghalibaf recalled Jalal Talabani, the PUK leader's father, as one of Iran's oldest and most loyal friends. "Mr. Jalal Talabani was an honorable man — during the days of struggle, in the days after victory, during the days of resistance and war, and throughout his presidency," he said.

Referring to the defeat inflicted on the US and Israel in the war against Iran, Ghalibaf said: "In the war the Americans started, our great nation and armed forces showed how they can stand up to the US and the Israeli regime. The Americans perhaps never imagined they would face such resistance from Iran and such a defeat against the Islamic Republic — and everyone can see that the Americans were defeated both militarily and politically."

He added that the US never abandons its plots, dictates and schemes, saying that under these circumstances, Iran's relations and engagement with its neighbors — across economic, political and security fields — must be at their highest level, as is naturally the case with the Kurdistan Region of Iraq.

Referring to the activity of separatist groups near Iran's borders during the 40-day war, Ghalibaf said: "During the 40-day war, the Americans had hoped to carry out security and military action against Iran from the direction of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. But with the help of your friends in the region and the timely response of Iran's armed forces, this enemy plot failed. We must therefore work to expand our ties, both in the security and economic spheres, more than ever before."

He continued: "The Americans and the Israeli regime are always looking to create discord among neighbors, particularly between Iran and Iraq — especially now, when they have been forced to leave both Iraqi territory and Iraqi airspace. They are certainly seeking to plot and sow division in the region. We must therefore prevent such tensions through close ties and mutual trust, and be careful not to fall under the influence of these malicious efforts by the US and the Israeli regime."

Talabani: Iran's war is our war, and its victory is our victory

Talabani described the purpose of the visit as discussing cooperation between Iran and Iraq on security, political and economic matters, saying: "Today the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan has become very strong in Iraq and has returned to being the same union that Jalal Talabani led."

Referring to Iran's assistance to the Kurdistan Region during difficult times and during the war, he said: "The Islamic Republic has always been our backer and supporter. We therefore consider your war and your hardship to be our own, and your victory to be our victory."

Stressing that the Kurdistan Region will not allow its territory to become a place for creating insecurity against Iran, Talabani said the region is fully prepared to implement the security agreement between Iran and Iraq and to expand relations.

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