TEHRAN, YJC. Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi praised Iran for standing by his country in very critical conditions, when other countries were hesitant to help the Arab nation in the face of threats posed by terrorists.
"We are grappling with the war of life and death, and Iran is standing by us in this war,” Abadi said, according to the Lebanese-based Al Mayadeen TV channel.
Lots of thanks for Iran for not leaving Iraq alone in dire conditions, Abadi made it clear that his government will not ruin ties with its ally and neighbor.
"I would not damage our relations with Iran just because the others want so,” he stated.
Abadi said Iran rushed to help Iraq and "never ever had any doubts” even about assisting the Kurdish residents of Erbil when the city faced the threat of ISIL, while Americans were hesitating over whether to support Baghdad or not when the capital city was in jeopardy.
The ISIL militants made rapid advances in much of northern and western Iraq over the summer, after capturing large swaths of northern Syria.
They have committed heinous crimes in the areas taken by them, which include the mass execution of civilians as well as Iraqi army troops and officers.