US-Iran war would set entire region ablaze: Iraqi official
The Secretary-General of Iraq’s Badr Organization says, "The challenges facing the region can be overcome through national unity and the cohesion of political forces in Iraq."
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Then-Popular Mobilization Forces commander Hadi al-Amiri speaks to journalists in Nbaie (20 kilometers) outside of Baghdad, Iraq, Friday, June 12, 2015. (AP)
A war between Iran and the United States would not be a "walk in the park" or a simple affair but would set the entire region on fire, the Secretary-General of Iraq’s Badr Organization, Hadi al-Amiri, cautioned on Tuesday.
"The outbreak of war with Iran does not mean it will be a walk in the park; rather, it will set the entire region ablaze," al-Amiri warned during a meeting with tribal leaders and dignitaries from Diyala province at the headquarters of the Popular Mobilization Forces’ Diyala Operations Command.
The Iraqi politician stressed that "no one should assume that we and other countries of the region will stand idly by if war breaks out between Iran and the US."
His remarks come two days after US President Donald Trump threatened to bomb Iran if no agreement was reached on its nuclear program.
On Monday, Ali Larijani, senior advisor to the Leader of the Islamic Revolution Sayyed Ali Khamenei, warned that any US or Israeli attack on Iran under the pretext of its nuclear program would force Tehran to move toward producing a nuclear bomb.
Iranian officials have also rejected negotiations under pressure or threats, affirming Tehran’s readiness to respond firmly to any attack.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian stated that Tehran was open to indirect negotiations with Washington but pointed out that the US' approach would determine the course of discussions.
Palestinian cause going through difficult phase
In a related context, al-Amiri emphasized that "the Palestinian cause is going through a difficult phase, marked by destruction, displacement, killings, and genocide against the people of Gaza," while "Israeli aggression against Lebanon continues due to its defense of the Palestinian cause."
He also praised Yemen’s "courageous stance" in support of Palestine, noting that this position has led to US and British aggression against the country.
Elsewhere, al-Amiri pointed out that "the challenges facing the region can be overcome through national unity and the cohesion of political forces in Iraq."
Read more: Iran says no talks under pressure, ready for confrontation: Exclusive