BAGHDAD (Pakistan Point News / Sputnik - 15th May, 2019) Iraq is ready to play the role of a mediator between the United States and Iran to help overcome the current crisis in relations of the two countries, Iraqi Foreign Ministry spokesman Ahmed Sahaf told Sputnik on Wednesday.
"Iraq respects its partners and is willing to mediate between them. If Iraq is required to play a role in interaction and coordination that will help resolve the situation, then Iraq will use every opportunity to be useful to neighbors, friends and partners," Sahaf said.
According to him, Baghdad adheres to "positive neutrality."
"Neutrality does not mean a lack of position on events in the region. We mean by this that we are guided by our national interests, through which we pursue the goals of Iraq's national security," the spokesman said.
Sahaf added that Baghdad was following all sides and maintaining contacts in order to find a balanced solution in the interests of all sides and countries of the region.
The news comes after the United States reinforced its military presence in the Persian Gulf with the Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier and a bomber task force to send "a clear and unmistakable message" to Tehran. Washington approved the additional deployment of the Patriot missile defense system and Arlington amphibious warship to the region last weekend. Iran has, for its part, repeatedly expressed its readiness to retaliate in the event of a military conflict.
Last week, Tehran announced it was suspending some of its obligations under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, which was signed in 2015 to limit the country's nuclear activity.
The decision came a year after the United States pulled out of the deal and reinstated wide-ranging sanctions on Tehran, including restrictions against companies and financial institutions of countries that do business with the Islamic republic. Iranian President Hassan Rouhani has given European countries 60 days to organize talks on the matter.
