WANA (Jan 20) – Ali Akbar Velayati, a senior adviser to Iran’s Supreme Leader on international affairs, said on Sunday that Iran’s struggle against the United States and Israel will continue with “greater seriousness,” describing recent events as part of a broader conspiracy targeting the entire region.

 

In a phone conversation with former Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, a leading figure in Iraq’s Coordination Framework, Velayati discussed major regional and international developments, including relations between Iraq and Iran.

 

Velayati praises Iraq’s election turnout

Velayati congratulated the Iraqi people on their participation in the recent parliamentary elections, calling it a victory achieved under the leadership of figures such as al-Maliki. He added that the election result has strengthened Iraq’s position both regionally and internationally.

 

Iran sees recent events as part of a larger plot

Referring to the recent incidents in Iran, Velayati told al-Maliki that Iran’s Supreme Leader has described the events as another defeat for the United States and Israel, following their previous failure in the 12-day conflict. He said the Supreme Leader emphasized that the enemy had planned the incident to serve broader objectives, but the Iranian nation thwarted the plot.

 

Velayati quoted the Supreme Leader as saying that Iran must not only break the back of the sedition, but also defeat those behind it. He stressed that the confrontation with Israel and the U.S. would continue more intensely.

 

“This incident was not only against Iran,” Velayati said, “but a conspiracy against the entire region. Iran, Iraq, Hezbollah, Palestine, and Yemen’s Ansarullah will stand united against all oppressors, especially the Zionists.”

 

Support for Iraq’s plan to remove U.S. and NATO forces

Velayati also voiced support for the Iraqi government and people’s determination to expel U.S. and NATO forces from Iraq, calling it a priority for the region. He emphasized that safeguarding Iraq’s territorial integrity and improving the welfare and development of its people are among Iran’s key regional priorities.

 

Al-Maliki warns of regional repercussions

In response, al-Maliki thanked Velayati for his comments and said, “God willing, no unrest or conspiracy will remain in Iraq or Iran, because any incident in Iran will have a direct impact on Iraq and the entire region.”