Iran expects a firm response from Iraq over attack on Karbala consulate: Rouhani

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region — Iranian President Hassan Rouhani spoke on the phone with Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi on Monday, telling the PM he expects the Iraqi government to respond “decisively and quickly” to the recent attack on the Iranian consulate in Karbala, according to a statement from his office.

The entrance to the Iranian consulate in Karbala was set on fire on May 9 as anger spread through the city after the assassination of activist Ihab-al Wazni, with protesters blaming Iran-backed militias for his death.

Speaking with Kadhimi, Rouhani expressed his concern over the incident and “stressed the need for the Iraqi government to respond decisively and quickly to these attacks,” read the statement from the presidency.

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif told his Iraqi counterpart Fuad Hussein last week that Iraq needs to “reveal the identity of those who attacked the Iranian consulate, urging Iraq to take decisive stances and prevent the recurrence of such events." 

The Monday statement claimed that Kadhimi has apologized to Rouhani over the attack.

Rouhani also told Kadhimi that they need to develop bilateral relations in political and economic fields. Both countries already have strong economic relations as they share several border crossings, including those in the Kurdistan Region.

Iraq also enjoys good relations Saudi Arabia – Iran’s regional rival. Baghdad has recently mediated talks between both countries to normalize their relations.

Relations between Iran and Saudi Arabia took a notable dive in 2016, when Iranian protestors attacked the Saudi diplomatic missions following the Kingdom’s execution of Shiite cleric, Sheikh Nimr al-Nimr.

Rouhani welcomed Iraq’s “positive” role in helping to resolve disputes between regional states.

A statement from Kadhimi’s office on the phone call did not mention the attack on the Karbala consulate. His office said Rouhani confirmed Iran's support for Iraq in its war against the Islamic State group (ISIS). The also both expressed support for the Palestinian cause.

Updated at 8:48 pm