Khamenei meets with the new Iraqi prime minister to talk about the assassination of Soleimani: Iran will never forget the crimes of the United States
[Global Times reporter Huang Peizhao] Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa Kadimi arrived in Tehran, the capital of Iran, on the 21st, starting his first foreign visit after taking office in May. Kadimi originally planned to visit Saudi Arabia on the 20th, but Saudi King Salman was hospitalized due to cholecystitis and delayed his visit. Iran became the first country Kadimi visited.
According to Iran English News Television, Iran’s Supreme Leader Khamenei met with visiting Kadimi on the 21st. Khamenei told Kadimi that the current major obstacle to the development of bilateral relations is the United States. Iran will never forget the crime of the United States assassinating General Soleimani and will definitely retaliate. Khamenei said: "They (the United States) killed your guest in your own home and clearly admitted this brutal behavior. This is not a trivial matter!"
Kadimi expressed gratitude to Iran for its support to Iraq, saying that "The Iraqi people will never forget Iran's support. In the fight against terrorists, the blood of Iraqis and Iranians was injected together." Regarding Khamenei’s claim that Soleimani, the commander of the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, was assassinated by the United States, Kadimi said: “Your suggestions are the key to solving the problem. I am grateful for these instructions.” Earlier, the Supreme Court of Justice in Iraq The committee issued a statement on the 20th stating that it will sue the United States for the assassination of Soleimani together with Tehran.
Judging from the pictures of the meeting announced by the Iranian media, Khamenei and Kadimi are wearing masks. In addition to Khamenei, Iranian President Rouhani, First Vice President Jahangiri, Speaker Karibaf, Secretary-General of the Supreme National Security Council Shamhani and other senior officials also held talks with Kadimi. Both countries attach great importance to this visit. Kadimi's accompanying team is very large and high-level, including Defense Minister Inad, Foreign Minister Hussein, Petroleum Minister Ihsan, Electricity Minister Majid and Health Minister Hassan. According to the News Agency of the Islamic Republic of Iran, in 2019, Iran’s exports to Iraq were close to 9 billion U.S. dollars, and discussions between the two sides will further increase to 20 billion U.S. dollars.
The Egyptian newspaper Izvestia stated that Iran has a powerful influence in Iraq, even greater than that of the United States. Iraq is an important stage for Iran and the United States to compete and compete. Therefore, Kadimi’s visit to Iran is expected to arouse dissatisfaction and even resentment from the United States. In fact, Kadimi's appointment as Iraq's prime minister is a product of the balance of interests of all parties. According to reports, Kadimi has been responsible for Iraq’s national intelligence and security work for a long time, and has worked closely with the United States and Iran. Now, he is caught in the gap between the two major powers and is facing the impact of the opposition between the United States and Iran. Multiple challenges within. Iraqi President Saleh and other officials have repeatedly stated that Iraq is committed to playing a "balanced and active" role in regional affairs.
The Iraqi “Morning News” stated that Kadimi is a suitable person to play a “balanced and active” role. He may serve as a messenger between the United States and Iran, mediate the conflicts between the United States and Iran, ease the tension in the region, and maintain Iraq plays an important role in security and stability.