Ali Rabiei was quoted by Iran Press as saying that “our policy is to respect Iraq's sovereignty and to avoid interfering in Iraq's internal affairs. We have advised other countries to follow this policy. We urge the United States to follow this policy too."

"Every country should try to counter coronavirus. But some adventurous policies are to the detriment of people's lives. We support any decision that is based on the national will in Iraq. Iran supports any decision in Iraq as an old friend and neighbor."

Earlier, Iran's Foreign Ministry Spokesman had said that Iran's stance toward the appointment of Mustafa al-Kadhimi, had been positive.

Iran's Foreign Ministry Spokesman Seyyed Abbas Mousavi on Thursday, April 9, welcomed the appointment of al-Kadhimi, calling the move as a right step taken in the right path.

Iraqi President Barham Salih on Thursday 9 April named intelligence chief Mustafa al-Kadhimi to form a new government.

Al-Kadhimi, who has been serving as director of the Iraqi National Intelligence Service since 2016, has been mandated to form the government within 30 days as per the constitution.

Reporter’s code: 50101