The situation around Iran and Iraq continues to escalate

Baku/06.01.20 / Turan: Political tensions around Iran and Iraq after the assassination of unit commander Goods Kassem Suleymani continue to deteriorate every day.

Today, the Iraqi authorities made a decision prohibiting the US military from moving through the country. A day earlier, the Iraqi parliament decided to withdraw American forces from the country.

In response, US President Donald Trump said that the withdrawal of troops is possible only after receiving compensation for the military base built in Iraq.

In a conversation with reporters on board the presidential plane, Trump said the United States has an “extremely expensive” air base in Iraq, which cost billions of dollars. “We won’t leave until we get paid for it,” he said, threatening with sanctions “which they have never seen.”

Meanwhile, the leadership of Turkey, Iran, Russia and several European countries are trying to coordinate their actions in case of further exacerbation in the region. So, this topic was discussed in a telephone conversation between Russian Defense Minister Shoigu and Turkish intelligence chief Hakan Fidan. In particular, the parties discussed possible joint actions in the Middle East and Libya "to reduce tensions and resolve crisis situations in the region," the press service of the Russian Defense Ministry said.

Today, Shoigu had a telephone conversation with the chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Iran, Mohammad Bagheri. The parties discussed practical steps to prevent the escalation of the situation in Syria and the Middle East region in connection with the assassination of General Kassem Suleimani.

Meanwhile, European capitals are concerned about Tehran’s statements about withdrawing from the nuclear deal and preparing for military operations against the United States. This topic was dedicated to the emergency meeting of NATO member countries on Sunday January 5. -02D-